carpintero de vientre amarillo

1. Nombre del ave
The bird in question is the Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker. Its scientific or Latin name is Sphyrapicus varius.

2. Aspecto
The Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker is aptly named for its yellow-feathered abdomen. Its back, wings, and tail exhibit a beautiful pattern of black and white striping. There is also a prominent red patch on their forehead and throat area. Its wing tip looks almost entirely black, while the remaining part of the wing is predominantly white. The beak is pointed and ideal for pecking bark, and the eyes are round, black and alert. Male and female sapsuckers are similar in appearance, but the females have a white throat, unlike males who have red throats.

3. Tamaño
Yellow-Bellied Sapsuckers measure 20-22 cm in length on average and have a wingspan of about 38-46 cm. They can weigh anywhere between 40 to 63 grams, depending on their age and health condition.

4. Hábitat y distribución
As a migratory species, the Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker is found in North America and spends winters as far south as Panama. Their summer breeding grounds include coastal Alaska and the Canadian Maritimes. Major habitats they prefer include mixed coniferous-deciduous forests, orchards, and shade trees.

5. Datos de interés
These birds are considered the only species of woodpecker known to frequently feed on sap. Another interesting fact is their migratory and non-territorial nature when not breeding. In terms of cultural significance, Yellow-Bellied Sapsuckers are known for creating sap wells that other species use for sustenance, creating interesting interspecies interactions.

6. Dieta
Yellow-Bellied Sapsuckers have a relatively wide diet, encompassing insects, fruits, and, of course, tree sap. Their unique feeding behavior involves drilling holes into the bark of trees and lapping up the sugary sap that flows out.

7. Comportamientos y sonidos
The typical calls of Yellow-Bellied Sapsuckers are distinctive and often consist of a mewing or cat-like sound, and long sequences of irregular drumming. In terms of behavior, the birds are known to be rather solitary, outside of mating periods, and can be quite territorial when feeding.

8. Estado de conservación
According to the IUCC Red List, the Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker is listed as ‘Least Concern,’ indicating it’s not currently at significant risk of extinction.

9. Vida útil
In the wild, Yellow-Bellied Sapsuckers tend to live about 10 years, although there are instances where they have been known to live up to 12 years. Lifespan in captivity, however, is largely unknown, given the lack of significant quantities of this bird being kept in captivity.

10. Notas adicionales
Though it has a unique relationship with humans, Yellow-Bellied Sapsuckers can become pests in orchards, owing to their potentially tree-damaging sap-drilling habits. In some parts of its range in French-speaking Canada, it may be known as Pic maculé. As mentioned earlier, their role in the ecosystem is quite significant, aiding other wildlife by creating sap wells that other species can feed on.

The Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker serves as an example of the extraordinary variety and richness of our bird species. Providing a vibrant sight and distinctive additions to bird songs, they enrich our natural world through their presence and unique behaviors.