Wildlife Use
Loblolly pine stands are important for numerous wildlife species. The trees provide habitat for many animals, including white-tailed deer, wild turkey, gray squirrels, rabbit, quail, and doves. Many songbirds feed on the seeds and help propagate the trees through seed dispersal.
Red crossbills depend on loblolly pine seeds for up to 50 percent of their diet. Other birds who frequent the trees include pine warblers, Bachman's warblers, and brown-headed nuthatches. Osprey and bald eagles often nest in tall loblolly pines.
Two endangered species that also use these pines are fox squirrels (which eat the cones) and red-cockaded woodpeckers (which will sometimes nest in old growth trees).