Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
NameYellow-bellied Sapsucker
Common NameYellow-bellied Sapsucker
Scientific NameSphyrapicus varius
FamilyPicidae
Wingspan (cm)37
Length (cm)20
Weight (g)50
Plumage DetailsAdults have a black back barred with white, prominent white wing patches, and a black and white striped face. Males have a red crown and a red throat patch, while females have a red crown and a white throat. Both sexes typically show a yellowish wash on the belly, though it can be subtle.
Vocalization / CallTheir call is a nasal, slurred 'queeah' or 'mew.' They also produce a distinctive, irregular drumming pattern, often described as a 'stuttering' drum.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest, mountain
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds across Canada and the northeastern United States, migrating south to the southeastern U.S., Mexico, and Central America for winter.
Identifying Featuresred crown, white wing patch, black and white striped face, rows of sap wells on trees, yellowish belly wash, stuttering drum
Description
This medium-sized woodpecker is known for drilling rows of small holes in tree bark to feed on sap. They have a distinctive black and white plumage with a red crown and often a yellow wash on the belly.
