yellow bellied sapsucker
1. Bird Name
English name: Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker
Scientific (Latin) name: Sphyrapicus varius
2. Appearance
The Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker is a charismatic bird with striking markings. Its upper parts are mostly black and white, exhibiting a dramatic contrast with a bold, black bib and a large, white wing patch. Name-giving is its yellowish belly, a feature that sets it apart from other sapsuckers. Both sexes have bright red foreheads, while mature males also possess a stunning red throat which females replace with white. The bill is relatively long, straight, and stout, perfect for drilling into tree bark. Yellow-Bellied Sapsuckers have large, white-lined eyes which are ideal for spotting their prey.
3. Size
These medium-sized woodpeckers measure between 18 and 21 centimeters (roughly 7 to 8.5 inches) in length. With a wingspan of around 34 to 40 centimeters (about 13.3 to 15.7 inches), they are adept fliers. A typical weight range for this species is between 40 and 63 grams (1.4 – 2.2 ounces).
4. Habitat & Distribution
Yellow-Bellied Sapsuckers can be found across much of North America, from the northeastern United States to the Arctic regions of Canada and Alaska. They are migratory birds and spend their winters in the southern United States, Central America, and the Caribbean. These birds prefer mixed forests with both young and mature trees, and especially favor birch and maple trees.
5. Interesting Facts
Interestingly, Yellow-Bellied Sapsuckers create a series of small holes in tree bark, which serves a dual purpose: it allows them to feed on sap and also attracts insects which they capture and eat. These ‘sap wells’ are also used by other bird species and even some insects, making the sapsucker an essential contributor to the ecosystem. Another fun fact is their drumming behavior, which is not only used to establish territory but also serves as a mating call during the spring breeding season.
6. Diet
Their diet consists mainly of tree sap, insects, fruits, and berries. Insects trapped in their sap wells make up a large portion of their protein intake.
7. Behavior & Sounds
Yellow-Bellied Sapsuckers are solitary except during the breeding season. They are known for their rhythmic tapping or ‘drumming’ on tree trunks, typically in uneven patterns. Their call is a mournful, cat-like “mew,” often one of the first signs of their presence.
8. Conservation Status
The Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker is currently listed as ‘Least Concern’ by the IUCN Red List, indicating that it does not currently face significant conservation threats.
9. Lifespan
The average lifespan of a wild Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker is around 7 years, though some individuals may live up to 10 years.
10. Additional Notes
In some local Spanish-speaking regions, they are sometimes referred to as ‘Pájaro Carpintero Barriga Amarilla’, translating to ‘Yellow-Belly Carpenter Bird’, emphasizing their penchant for drilling. Interaction with humans is generally limited, but occasional damage to ornamental or fruit trees from their feeding habits can cause minor conflicts. As ecological engineers, their sap wells provide food sources for various insects, mammals, and other bird species, enhancing community biodiversity.
