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Red-naped Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus nuchalis

The Red-naped Sapsucker is a special woodpecker with a bright red patch on its neck. It loves to drill holes in trees to drink sweet sap and catch bugs. These birds are known for their unique tapping sounds!

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Red-naped Sapsucker has a distinctive red patch on the back of its neck and forehead, a white stripe behind its eye, and a striking black-and-white barred back. A prominent white wing patch and yellowish belly help distinguish it from other woodpeckers.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPiciformesFamilyPicidaeGenusSphyrapicus
Red-naped Sapsucker
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Red-naped Sapsucker

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Other birds, like hummingbirds, often "steal" sips from sapsucker sap wells!

Sapsuckers are like tree dentists, drilling tiny, perfect holes for sap!

Their tongue is extra long and brushy, perfect for sipping sweet tree juice!

They travel thousands of kilometers each year, from Canada to Mexico!

Special abilities

Ability

Brush-tipped Tongue

Red-naped Sapsucker has a brush-tipped tongue that helps them lap up sticky tree sap and tiny insects from their drilled wells.

Ability

Vibrating Signals

Red-naped Sapsucker can tap unique rhythmic patterns on trees because this helps them communicate territorial claims to other birds.

Measurements & details

Length
19-21 cm
Wingspan
33-38 cm
Weight
0.032-0.06 kg
Lifespan
7-10 years
Top Speed
45 km/h
Clutch Size
4-7
Incubation
12-14 days
Migration Distance
2000 km

Diet & Feeding

Red-naped Sapsuckers mainly drink tree sap and eat insects, enjoying a sweet and buggy meal!

Primary Foods

  • tree sap
  • ants
  • beetles
  • flies
  • berries

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Enjoy watching birds from a distance and don't disturb their homes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Red-naped Sapsucker?

19-21 cm

What is Red-naped Sapsucker's wingspan?

33-38 cm

How much does Red-naped Sapsucker weigh?

0.032-0.06 kg

How long does Red-naped Sapsucker live?

7-10 years

How fast can Red-naped Sapsucker move?

45 km/h

What does Red-naped Sapsucker eat?

Red-naped Sapsuckers mainly drink tree sap and eat insects, enjoying a sweet and buggy meal!

Where is Red-naped Sapsucker usually found?

Forests

How does Red-naped Sapsucker hunt?

Foraging

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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