ExploreBirds

Williamson's Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus thyroideus

Williamson's Sapsucker is a colorful bird that loves to peck on trees to find tasty bugs. They have a bright yellow belly and a striking black and white head, making them easy to spot in the forest!

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Williamson's Sapsucker has striking differences between males and females. Males are mostly black with a yellow belly, white wing patch, and red chin. Females have a brown head and are barred black and white across their body.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPiciformesFamilyPicidaeGenusSphyrapicus
Williamson's Sapsucker
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Williamson's Sapsucker

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Males and females look so different they were once thought to be two separate species!

Their sticky, brush-tipped tongue is perfect for soaking up sweet tree sap!

These sapsuckers sometimes get 'tipsy' from fermented sap, wobbling near their wells!

They nest in trees with 'heart rot' fungus, making softer wood to drill into!

Special abilities

Ability

Tree Tap Engineer

Williamson's Sapsucker can drill precise, rectangular holes in trees because this unique tapping helps them access sweet, nutritious sap.

Ability

Bug Baiter

Williamson's Sapsucker has sap wells that attract insects, which helps them easily catch protein-rich bugs for food.

Ability

Woodpecker Power

Williamson's Sapsucker has a sturdy skull and chisel-like beak that helps them drill into wood without hurting their brain.

Measurements & details

Length
19-25 cm
Wingspan
40-45 cm
Weight
0.04-0.065 kg
Lifespan
4-7 years
Top Speed
55 km/h
Clutch Size
4-7
Incubation
12-14 days
Migration Distance
2000 km

Diet & Feeding

These birds drink tree sap and munch on insects caught in sticky wells!

Primary Foods

  • Tree sap
  • Ants
  • Beetles
  • Flies
  • Berries

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

depends on

Ponderosa Pine

Pinus ponderosa

Provides sap and nesting sites for sapsuckers.

hunts

Silky Ant

Formica fusca

Commonly eaten by sapsuckers from sap wells.

eaten by

Cooper's Hawk

Accipiter cooperii

A common bird of prey that hunts sapsuckers.

depends on

Rufous Hummingbird

Selasphorus rufus

Drinks sap from sapsucker wells when migrating.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Enjoy watching birds from a distance without disturbing them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Williamson's Sapsucker?

The easiest way to identify Williamson's Sapsucker is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is Williamson's Sapsucker?

19-25 cm

What is Williamson's Sapsucker's wingspan?

40-45 cm

How much does Williamson's Sapsucker weigh?

0.04-0.065 kg

How long does Williamson's Sapsucker live?

4-7 years

How fast can Williamson's Sapsucker move?

55 km/h

What does Williamson's Sapsucker eat?

These birds drink tree sap and munch on insects caught in sticky wells!

Where is Williamson's Sapsucker usually found?

Forests

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Where to spot

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