Red-breasted Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus ruber

Description:

Red-breasted Sapsuckers are approximately 7 ½ -8 ½ inches in length. These birds have a very bright, red, head with a black spot in front of the eye. A white line is present on the space between the nostril and eye, also called the lore, and the breast is vibrantly red with a white patch located on either wing. The back is mostly black with a variable amount of spotting of yellows and off-white colorations. Red-breasted Sapsuckers are easily identifiable by their all red heads.

Voice:

A plaintive mew.

Food:

Red-breasted Sapsuckers are characteristically named for their primary method of feeding. They drill holes, or sap wells, in a variety of trees and wait for the sap to accumulate and drip out of the well. Sapsuckers are also known to eat berries, fruits, and arthropods such as spiders and caterpillars.

Nest:

This bird is a cavity nester. Nests are constructed only in dead trees or dead portions of live trees and lined with wood chips.

Habitat:

Red-breasted Sapsuckers are abundant in coastal forests comprised mainly of dead trees or large snags that serve as nesting sites.

Range:

These birds are found spanning most of the western Pacific coast of North America.

Migration:

Most migrate to lower elevations or move south in winter.

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Photo Courtesy of Tom Grey