Red-breasted Sapsucker
Sphyrapicus
ruber
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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.
- Comments: