Red-breasted Sapsucker

Photo courtesy of Tom Grey

Description:: Black backed spotted with yellow. White rump and white wing patches. Red head, nape and upper breast are very visible. Belly is yellowish. A short white moustache stripe over bill.
Voice:: A plaintive mew.
Food:: Drills evenly spaced rows of holes in tree trunk, then “visits” them for the sap and insects caught in it. Especially likes ants.
Nest:: In tree cavity near water, lined with wood chips.
Habitat:: Coniferous and mixed forests.
Range:: CA north to AK.
Migration:: Most migrate to lower elevations or move south in winter.
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