Red-naped sapsucker
The Red-naped sapsucker is a medium-sized North American woodpecker, distinguished by a red patch on the nape of its head, red forehead, and yellow breast. Primarily found in mixed forests of the Rocky Mountains and Great Basin, these birds are known for their unique feeding method of drilling into trees to consume sap and attracted insects.
Key Facts
- ›The species is found in mixed forests of the Rocky Mountains and Great Basin regions of North America.
- ›Adults measure 19–21 cm in length and weigh between 32–66 grams.
- ›Their diet consists mainly of tree sap and insects attracted to it, supplemented by seeds and berries.
- ›Nesting occurs in cavities excavated in dead trees, often trembling aspens with softened wood.
- ›They migrate south from higher elevations during colder months.
- ›The bird's genus name, Sphyrapicus, derives from Greek words for 'hammer' and 'woodpecker'.
North America
Mixed Forests, Rocky Mountains, Great Basin
Red Patch On the Nape, Red Forehead, White Stripes On Head, Yellow Breast, Large White Wing Patch
Tree Sap, Insects, Seeds, Berries
Drilling holes in trees to access sap, Catching insects attracted to sap, Catching insects in flight
Cavity In A Dead Tree, Trembling Aspen
About Red-naped sapsucker
The Red-naped sapsucker (Sphyrapicus nuchalis) is a medium-sized woodpecker native to North America. It is recognized for its distinctive plumage, which includes a black head with a red forehead and a prominent red patch on the nape, complemented by a yellow breast and white wing bars. Historically considered a subspecies of the yellow-bellied sapsucker, genetic analysis has confirmed its status as a distinct species, closely related to the red-breasted sapsucker.
Habitat and Range
This species primarily inhabits mixed forests within the Rocky Mountains and the Great Basin regions of North America. Its breeding habitat is closely tied to these forested areas, where it excavates nesting cavities. The Red-naped sapsucker is known to migrate, vacating higher elevation territories during colder months and moving southward.
Feeding and Behavior
True to its name, the Red-naped sapsucker employs a unique feeding strategy: it drills rows of small holes into trees to access and consume the flowing sap. It also preys on insects that are attracted to these sap wells, and it has been observed catching insects in flight. Its diet is further supplemented with seeds and berries.
Nesting and Reproduction
Nesting for the Red-naped sapsucker occurs within cavities excavated in dead trees, with a particular preference for trembling aspens that have softened wood. The species typically lays between three to seven white eggs, which are incubated for 12 to 13 days. The altricial young are dependent and remain in the nest for approximately 25 to 29 days before fledging. Forest management practices that include retaining standing dead trees (snags) are important for providing suitable nesting sites for this species.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Red-naped sapsucker eat?
True to its name, the Red-naped sapsucker drills holes in trees to feed on sap. It also consumes insects attracted to the sap, and occasionally eats seeds and berries.
Where do Red-naped sapsuckers build their nests?
These woodpeckers typically nest in a cavity within a dead tree. Trembling aspens with decay-softened wood are commonly used for excavation, with nests often made at progressively higher locations over the years.
What is the scientific name for the Red-naped sapsucker?
The scientific name for the Red-naped sapsucker is Sphyrapicus nuchalis.
Are Red-naped sapsuckers migratory?
Yes, Red-naped sapsuckers migrate south and vacate areas at higher elevations, particularly during colder seasons.
What are the distinctive physical features of the Red-naped sapsucker?
Adults have a black head with a red forehead and a characteristic red spot on the nape. They also feature white stripes on their head, a yellow breast and upper belly, and a large white wing patch.
How long do Red-naped sapsucker chicks stay in the nest?
The young of the Red-naped sapsucker are altricial. They remain in the nest for approximately 25 to 29 days after hatching before they are able to fly and leave.
Related Woodpecker species
Red-breasted sapsucker
The red-breasted sapsucker is a medium-sized woodpecker found along the west coast of North America, from Alaska down to California and even Baja California in winter. Distinctive for its red head and chest, this species primarily feeds on tree sap, drilling rows of holes into living trees, and also consumes insects attracted to the sap. They are cavity nesters, excavating their homes in dead deciduous trees.
American three-toed woodpecker
The American three-toed woodpecker is a medium-sized woodpecker found in North American coniferous forests. It is characterized by its black and white plumage, with males displaying a distinctive yellow cap. These birds are strongly associated with insect-infested trees, often following disturbances like forest fires.
Downy woodpecker
The downy woodpecker is the smallest woodpecker species in North America, distinguished by its black and white plumage and a short bill. It is commonly found in forested areas across the United States and Canada, avoiding only the driest deserts and northern tundra. These birds nest in tree cavities and primarily feed on insects, supplementing their diet with seeds and berries.