Williamson's Sapsucker
NameWilliamson's Sapsucker
Common NameWilliamson's Sapsucker
Scientific NameSphyrapicus thyroideus
FamilyPicidae
Wingspan (cm)43
Length (cm)23
Weight (g)55
Plumage DetailsMales are glossy black with a large white patch on the wing, a white stripe behind the eye, a yellow belly, and a prominent red throat patch. Females are distinctly different, with a barred black and white back, head, and flanks, a yellow belly, and no red throat. Both sexes have a white rump patch.
Vocalization / CallTheir calls include a series of sharp, high-pitched 'kweek' or 'tsee' notes, often given in a rapid series. They also produce a slow, irregular drumming sound.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest, mountain
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds in western North America, from British Columbia south through the Rocky Mountains and Sierra Nevada to parts of Arizona and New Mexico. Winters in the southwestern U.S. and Mexico.
Identifying Featuresmale: black body, white wing patch, red throat, yellow belly, female: barred black and white body, yellow belly, white rump patch, rows of sap wells on trees
Description
This medium-sized woodpecker exhibits striking sexual dimorphism, with males being predominantly black and white with a red throat, while females have a barred black and white pattern. They are known for drilling rows of sap wells in trees to feed on sap and insects.
