The yellow-bellied sapsucker is a unique and fascinating woodpecker that can be found throughout eastern North America. With their striking black and white plumage and bright red crown, these medium-sized birds are a treat to observe in the woods. However, identifying a yellow-bellied sapsucker can be tricky for beginner birders. Here are some tips on how to confidently recognize this species.
Appearance
Yellow-bellied sapsuckers have distinctive black and white plumage on their back, wings and tail. The back and wings are mostly black with bold white stripes. The tail has more white than black. The underparts are pale yellow on the throat, breast and belly which helps give this bird its common name. There is also a large black patch on the breast.
Other key identification features are the bright red crown and white stripe behind the eye. Adult males have a red throat while females have a white throat and sometimes faint red smudges. Juveniles are dingier with a gray head.
In flight, look for the wide white stripes on the wings against the black background. The white rump is also noticeable during flight.
In terms of size, these sapsuckers are robin-sized with a body length around 8.5 inches (22 cm). They have a wingspan of 14 to 17 inches (36 to 43 cm).
Behavior
One of the best ways to confirm the identity of a yellow-bellied sapsucker is to observe its feeding behavior. True to their name, these birds drill into tree trunks and branches to feed on the sap. They use their sturdy bills to chisel neat rows of small wells that exude sap. The sapsucker then laps up the sap and catches any insects also attracted to the oozing sap.
Sapsucker sap wells are very distinctive. The holes are evenly spaced and aligned in horizontal or vertical rows, unlike the scattered holes created by other sap-feeding woodpeckers. You can examine trees in wooded areas for these unique sap wells as evidence that a sapsucker is nearby. The birds often return to feed at the same tree over many days.
In addition to sap, yellow-bellied sapsuckers eat a variety of insects, berries and other fruits. They capture bugs on tree trunks by gleaning. Their feeding habits are more varied compared to other sapsuckers.
When perched, these birds frequently drum their bill against wood to communicate. The drumming pattern is muted and uneven compared to other woodpeckers.
Habitat
Yellow-bellied sapsuckers breed in northern forests across Canada and the northeastern United States. They are migratory, wintering in the southern U.S. and into Central America. Though they prefer dense, mixed forests, they can adapt to wooded parks and backyards with sufficient trees.
Some key places to search for yellow-bellied sapsuckers include:
- Mature forests with plenty of old trees and snags for nesting and feeding
- Riparian areas along streams with deciduous trees like birch, maple and cottonwood
- Orchards with fruit trees
- Woodlots and treed suburban parks
They tend to avoid open fields and treeless areas. Look for them perched on trunks and large branches of both live and dead trees. Listen for their quiet mewing calls and whistles.
Range
Yellow-bellied sapsuckers are found across large parts of North America:
- Breed in boreal and mixed forests from Alaska to the Maritimes and south to the Great Lakes and Appalachian regions
- Migrate through the western and eastern U.S.
- Winter from southern U.S. through Central America
Check range maps to determine if they occur in your area during the season you are birding. This species has expanded its wintering range northward in recent decades so may now be found year-round in some northern U.S. states.
Similar Species
The striking plumage makes yellow-bellied sapsuckers distinctive. But a few other woodpecker species share some similar markings that could cause confusion:
Red-breasted Sapsucker
- Black and white back stripes
- Red head stripe
- Drills sap wells
- Smaller with bolder white wing stripes
- West coast distribution
Red-naped Sapsucker
- Red crown and white cheek stripe
- Neat black and white back
- Drills sap wells
- No yellow belly
- Western range
Downy Woodpecker
- Black and white stripes on back
- Male has red nape patch
- Much smaller
- Shorter bill
- Irregular feeding holes
Hairy Woodpecker
- Black and white striped back
- Males have red patch on head
- Larger with thicker bill
- Irregular feeding holes
The Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers lack the sap feeding behavior and yellow underparts of the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. Focus on the full profile combined with feeding habits to properly identify it.
Songs and Calls
Listening for the vocalizations of yellow-bellied sapsuckers can aid identification:
- Call – Distinctive mewing “mew” or cat-like “meow.” Sometimes given in a quick series.
- Call – A descending or rising “wee-eee.”
- Drumming – Softer and uneven sounding compared to other woodpeckers.
- Song – A series of 10 or more distinct notes described as a quick “wee-wee-wee.”
Learn these common yellow-bellied sapsucker sounds to help detect them by ear.
Nesting
Here are some details on yellow-bellied sapsucker nesting habits:
- Excavate nest cavities in the trunks of live trees, often birch, aspen or maple.
- Prefer nest trees in fairly open areas near water.
- Use dead trees less often than live ones for nest sites.
- Line the nest with wood chips creating a comfortable nest platform.
- Lay 3-7 white eggs and incubate for 12-14 days.
- Nestlings fledge in about 4 weeks.
Adults exhibit strong nest site fidelity, returning to the same tree year after year. You can search for nest cavities in appropriate habitat during spring and summer.
Conservation Status
According to the 2016 State of North America’s Birds report, yellow-bellied sapsuckers have a continental population estimate of 5.7 million. Partners in Flight estimates a global breeding population of 15 million. They are still considered common and widespread throughout their range. Their total population is believed to be increasing slightly in recent decades. The species rates at 9 out of 20 on the Continental Concern Score. It is not on the national Partners in Flight watchlist nor considered threatened on the IUCN Red List.
Conclusion
The yellow-bellied sapsucker is a wonderfully unique woodpecker that can be identified by its distinctive appearance, sap feeding behavior, drumming patterns and vocalizations. Focus on the bold black and white striped back, yellow underparts, red crown, and sap wells in neat rows to distinguish this species. Listen for its cat-like mewing calls. And search for it perched on tree trunks in mature forests across eastern North America. With a little practice, birders can readily recognize the yellow-bellied sapsucker when encountered.