Hummingbirds are known for their iridescent plumage that shimmers in the sunlight. While most hummingbird species sport flashy reds, greens, blues and purples, there is one species that stands out for its bright yellow coloring – the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker.
What is a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker?
The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius) is a medium-sized hummingbird found across North America. As their name suggests, these birds have a bright yellow underside that contrasts sharply with their black heads and olive-colored backs and wings.
Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers belong to the woodpecker family and are adept at drilling holes in trees to access the sap flowing within. The sap that oozes from these holes serves as an important food source for these birds. In addition to tree sap, sapsuckers also feed on insects, fruit and tree cambium.
One unique quality of the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker is the rectangular holes it drills into trees. Other woodpecker species drill round holes. Sapsuckers are also known to drill several holes in a row, resulting in a distinctive pattern of horizontal and vertical rows of square holes etched into tree trunks.
Where are Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers Found?
Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers breed in forests across Canada and the northeastern United States. Some key breeding areas include:
- Newfoundland
- New Brunswick
- Nova Scotia
- Quebec
- Ontario
- Manitoba
- Maine
- Vermont
- New Hampshire
- New York
During winter months, most sapsuckers migrate south to the southeastern United States or down into Central America. Their wintering grounds include:
- Southern Missouri
- Kentucky
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- Georgia
- Florida
- Alabama
- Mississippi
- Louisiana
- Texas
- Mexico
- Guatemala
- Belize
- Honduras
- Nicaragua
- Costa Rica
- Panama
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Identification
Identifying the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker is straightforward thanks to its bold yellow plumage on the underparts. Key identification notes include:
- Bright yellow underside from throat to belly
- Black back and black cap atop head
- White stripes on back and wings
- Red crown and red throat (male only)
- Length: 7.5-9 inches
- Rectangular sap holes drilled in tree trunks
Females lack the bold red plumage on the head and have white throats instead of red. Juveniles appear duller overall until they molt into their full adult plumage.
The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker is larger and stockier than other North American woodpecker species. And of course, no other woodpecker shares its vibrant yellow underbelly.
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Behavior
Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers exhibit some interesting behaviors:
- Sap Feeding – Using their sharp, chisel-like bills, sapsuckers drill orderly rows of rectangular holes into the trunks of trees. They then lap up the nutrient-rich sap that bleeds from these holes using their long, sticky tongues.
- Territorial Drumming – Male sapsuckers drum their bills against trees as a territorial display. Drumming also serves to attract females during breeding season.
- Anting – Sapsuckers sometimes rub ants on themselves which is thought to help rid them of parasites.
- Migration – These birds undergo lengthy migrations, traveling over 2,500 miles between their breeding and wintering grounds.
Sapsuckers are generally less aggressive than other woodpecker species and do not cause excessive damage to trees from their sap feeding. The small holes they drill provide an important food source for other wildlife when the sap oozes out.
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Diet
The unique diet of the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker consists of:
- Tree Sap – The main component of their diet is the sap they harvest from clean holes drilled into tree trunks. Favored sap trees include birch, maple, hickory and pine.
- Insects – Beetles, ants, caterpillars and other insects are gleaned from the bark and leaves of trees.
- Fruit – Berries and fruits are sometimes eaten when available.
- Cambium – The soft inner bark layer of trees provides an important source of carbohydrates.
- Nectar – Though not typical of most woodpeckers, sapsuckers will occasionally drink nectar from flowers.
The sugary sap provides fast energy while the insects and cambium offer protein and nutrients. This varied diet allows the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker to thrive across its widespread range.
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Nesting
Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers nest in the forests of Canada and the northeastern U.S. Here are some key facts about their nesting habits:
- Nest in dead trees or snags
- Prefer aspens, birches or other hardwoods
- Excavate nest cavity 10-40 feet up trunk
- Lay 3-5 white eggs
- Incubation 10-13 days
- Fledging 26-30 days
Both the male and female sapsucker help incubate the eggs and care for the young. Young leave the nest after about a month but remain with their parents for another 3-4 weeks.
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Conservation Status
The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker has a large range and stable population. According to the 2016 State of North America’s Birds Report, it ranks as a species of Least Concern for conservation.
Trend data from the North American Breeding Bird Survey shows an estimated global breeding population of 5.7 million individuals and a positive overall population trend.
Habitat loss is a concern across parts of the breeding range. Sapsuckers rely on mature forests with plenty of old, dying trees that provide nesting cavities and sap flow. Protecting areas of quality forest habitat is key to conservation of this unique woodpecker.
Key Facts
- Scientific Name: Sphyrapicus varius
- Conservation Status: Least Concern
- Length: 7.5-9 inches
- Weight: 1.5-2.2 oz
- Wingspan: 13-16 inches
- Population: 5.7 million
- Range: Breeds across Canada and northeastern U.S., winters in southeastern U.S. and Central America
- Habitat: Mature forests with sap producing trees
- Diet: Sap, insects, fruit, cambium
Conclusion
With its vibrant yellow underside, the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker is the only woodpecker in North America to sport such flashy golden plumage. These unique birds play an important ecological role by drilling sap wells that provide food for many other species. Though widespread, they remain reliant on key forest habitats across the northern and eastern parts of the continent. Protecting mature, sap-producing trees will ensure these charismatic woodpeckers continue brightening up forests for centuries to come.
