TaxonHub
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

A medium-sized woodpecker species native to North America, characterized by distinctive drilling behavior and unique feeding strategies in forest ecosystems.

Image Gallery

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
ADSENSE SLOT

Ecology & Habitat

Habitat

Deciduous and mixed forests across eastern and central North America, ranging from boreal forests of Canada to temperate woodlands of the United States

Ecological Role

Critical forest ecosystem engineer, creating sap wells that benefit multiple species, facilitating nectar and insect access, and contributing to forest nutrient cycling

Morphology

  • SKIN COAT Primarily black and white barred plumage, males featuring distinctive red throat patch, females with white throat region
  • LIMBS WINGS Strong zygodactyl feet with two toes forward and two backward for exceptional tree trunk climbing, wings adapted for quick, agile forest navigation
  • HEAD SENSORY Strong, chisel-like beak for tree bark excavation, acute hearing and vision for locating insect prey and detecting wood-based food sources
  • BODY STRUCTURE Compact woodpecker body, approximately 18-22 cm in length, weighing 35-45 g, with distinctive black and white plumage patterns
Data Source: TaxonHub Database
Image Credit: Paul Danese
ADSENSE VERTICAL

Related Species in Picidae