The yellow-bellied sapsucker is a medium-sized woodpecker that is named for its distinctive plumage. Here’s an overview of this bird and an explanation of how it got its unusual name.
What is a yellow-bellied sapsucker?
The yellow-bellied sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius) is a species of woodpecker found in forests across North America. These birds are about the size of an American robin, measuring 7-9 inches in length with a wingspan of 13-17 inches.
Some key identifying features of the yellow-bellied sapsucker include:
- Black and white striped face and throat
- Red crown and throat patch in males
- Pale yellow underside
- Black back with white stripes
- Distinctive rectangular black patches on the breast
Yellow-bellied sapsuckers drill holes in tree bark to feed on the sap that flows out, as well as insects attracted to the sap. Their diet consists mainly of tree sap, cambium tissue from beneath the bark, ants, beetles, moths, and other insects.
Origin of the name
Not surprisingly, this bird gets its common name from two of its most conspicuous features:
- Its yellow belly
- Its habit of drilling into tree bark to feed on sap
Let’s look at each part of the name in more detail:
Yellow belly
The yellow-bellied sapsucker’s most noticeable physical trait is the yellowish wash across its underparts. Both males and females exhibit this yellowish or buff-colored belly, flank, and vent region. This distinctive pale yellow coloring contrasts sharply with the black and white plumage on the rest of the bird’s body.
Sapsucker
The second part of the name refers to this bird’s unusual feeding habit. Sapsuckers drill orderly rows of small holes (known as sapwells) through the bark of trees. They then lap up the tree sap that oozes out of these holes with their long tongues.
Popular tree species targeted by sapsuckers include:
- Birch
- Maple
- Hemlock
- Pine
- Willow
Not only does the sap provide nourishment, the holes also attract insects like beetles and ants that the birds can prey on. Sapsuckers are the only species of woodpecker that feed on tree sap in this manner.
Physical description
Here is a more detailed look at the yellow-bellied sapsucker’s appearance and anatomy:
Size and shape
Yellow-bellied sapsuckers are medium-sized birds with a plump, short-necked body and a straight, chisel-like bill. Their body length ranges from 7-9 inches (18-23 cm) and they have a wingspan of 13-17 inches (33-43 cm).
Plumage
Their black and white plumage provides camouflage against lichen-covered tree bark. Specific elements of their plumage include:
- Black back and wings with bold white stripes
- Black crown and face with white stripes
- Red forehead and throat in males
- Pale yellow underside
- Rectangular black breast patches (resemble a vest or tuxedo)
- White belly
- Black and white barred tail
Male vs female
Males and females have similar plumage, but some key differences:
Male | Female |
---|---|
Red forehead and chin | White forehead and chin |
Black breast patches larger | Black breast patches smaller |
Juvenile appearance
Juvenile yellow-bellied sapsuckers resemble the adult female, but with some differences:
- Paler red forehead (males)
- Buff-tinged breast patches
- Paler yellow underside
- Faint chestnut collar
Their plumage matures to adult coloration by one year of age.
Range and habitat
Yellow-bellied sapsuckers breed in forested areas across North America and winter in the southern United States, Mexico, and Central America. Here’s an overview of their range and habitat:
Breeding range
In summer, yellow-bellied sapsuckers breed in forests across Canada, the Midwest, and Northeast regions of the United States. Their breeding range extends from:
- Southeast Alaska across Canada to Newfoundland
- South throughout the United States into northern New Mexico and Arizona
- At higher elevations in the Appalachian Mountains
Wintering range
During winter, most yellow-bellied sapsuckers migrate south to the southern U.S. and Mexico. Their winter range includes:
- Southeastern U.S. from Texas to Florida
- Along the U.S. Pacific Coast into Mexico
- On occasion, southern Arizona and New Mexico
Habitat
Yellow-bellied sapsuckers inhabit mature deciduous and mixed forests, especially those with plenty of birch, maple, and other sap-producing trees. They prefer forests with openings like meadows, streams, or ponds.
During migration and winter, they also occupy orchards, parks, and suburban areas with trees.
Behavior and ecology
Here are some key facts about how the yellow-bellied sapsucker lives and interacts with its environment:
Diet
The sapsucker diet consists primarily of:
- Tree sap
- Insects like beetles and ants
- Cambium (layer beneath the bark)
- Fruit and seeds (lesser portion)
Sapsuckers drill orderly rows of sapwells into the bark of certain tree species and feed on the sap. They also take insects that are attracted to the sap.
Cavity nesters
Yellow-bellied sapsuckers nest in dead trees or snags, excavating cavities in the sapwood (outer layer). They are primary cavity nesters, meaning they excavate their own nest holes rather than using existing cavities or birdhouses.
Migration
These birds migrate south to the southern U.S. states, Mexico, and Central America for the winter. Their spring migration north takes place relatively early, from mid-February to early May.
Drums and calls
Sapsuckers communicate using a variety of calls and by drumming their bills on trees. Their mewing calls sound cat-like. Drumming serves to mark territory and attract a mate.
Sap feeding benefits trees
While sapsuckers damage the inner bark surrounding their sapwells, research shows their feeding may actually benefit certain tree species by stimulating sap flow and wound response. The sapwells also provide food for other wildlife.
Taxonomy
The yellow-bellied sapsucker belongs to the woodpecker family Picidae and is classified as follows:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves
- Order: Piciformes
- Family: Picidae
- Genus: Sphyrapicus
- Species: Sphyrapicus varius
Its closest relative is the red-naped sapsucker (S. nuchalis) of the western U.S. Some other key notes about its taxonomy and systematics:
- Considered a separate species since 1810
- 4 recognized subspecies
- Hybridizes with red-breasted sapsucker where ranges overlap
Conservation status
The yellow-bellied sapsucker has a large range and stable population trend. As a result, it is classified as a species of Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Its estimated global population is 3.7 million individual birds.
Specific conservation rankings include:
- IUCN Red List: Least Concern
- US Migratory Bird Act: Protected
- CITES: Not listed
While no major threats to the species exist, local populations may be affected by:
- Habitat loss and degradation
- Nest site competition with European starlings
- Pesticides reducing insect food sources
Overall, the outlook remains positive for this distinctive woodpecker’s future.
Relationship to humans
The yellow-bellied sapsucker has little significance for humans outside of its ecological role in the forest ecosystem. Here are a few key ways it interacts with people:
- Provides insect pest control in forests
- Sapsucking activities produce sap wells that can be used by other species
- Serves as an indicator of forest health
- Appreciated by birdwatchers as a lively backyard visitor
On occasion, sapsuckers cause minor damage to ornamental trees with excessive sapwell drilling. But they prefer native tree species over landscape plantings.
Some other notes on this species’ relationship to humans:
- Featured in Native American myths and lore
- Yellow-shafted form is the state bird of Alabama
- Considered a game species in some regions
Overall, the yellow-bellied sapsucker is regarded positively for its aesthetics and ecological benefits. It adds a splash of color and activity to both wild forests and backyards.
Fun facts
Here are some fun and interesting facts about the yellow-bellied sapsucker:
- Their tongue has a brushy tip ideal for slurping up sap.
- Nestlings can consume 42 gallons of sap in a single breeding season.
- They bathe in sap wells to clean their sticky feathers.
- They share sap wells with other species like hummingbirds and flying squirrels.
- Their drumming serves as territorial communication.
- They are important primary cavity nesters for other secondary cavity users.
- They rub fragrant conifer needles on their feathers for scent camouflage.
Conclusion
In summary, the yellow-bellied sapsucker gets its colorful moniker from its distinctive yellow-washed underparts and sap-feeding habits. This medium-sized woodpecker drills orderly rows of sapwells into tree bark, then laps up the oozing sap with its specialized tongue. It also feeds on insects attracted to the sap.
Yellow-bellied sapsuckers breed in northern forests and migrate to southern states, Mexico, and Central America for winter. While they cause some damage with their sapwells, they may also benefit certain tree species through increased sap flow. Their habitat needs make them an indicator species of forest health.
From its taxonomy to conservation status, this overview covers all the key details about the yellow-bellied sapsucker’s identification, ecology, behavior, and relationship with humans. It’s easy to see how this charismatic woodpecker got its memorable name and why it holds a special fascination for many nature enthusiasts.