ExploreBirds

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker is a special woodpecker with a bright yellow belly! They make holes in trees to drink the sweet sap inside. You can often hear their funny tapping sounds in the forest.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker has a distinctive black and white barred back, a bold white stripe on its folded wing, and a red cap. Males also feature a bright red throat, contrasting with the yellowish wash on its belly.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPiciformesFamilyPicidaeGenusSphyrapicus
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
feathered trait badgesocial trait badgesinging trait badgeherbivorous trait badge
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

A sapsucker's drumming isn't just for food; it's a unique language used to attract mates and mark territory!

Look for trees with rows of small, square holes; that's a sign a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker has been dining there!

These birds drill "sap wells" that other animals, like hummingbirds and squirrels, visit for a sugary snack!

They don't just eat sap! Baby sapsuckers are fed insects, fruit, and even a little sap to help them grow.

Special abilities

Ability

Sap Architect

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker can create neat rows of shallow holes in tree bark because it provides a steady flow of nutritious sap.

Ability

Sweet Tooth Tongue

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker has a specialized brush-tipped tongue that helps it lap up tree sap efficiently from its sap wells.

Ability

Cavity Creator

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker can excavate new nest cavities annually that provide homes for other forest creatures.

Measurements & details

Length
19-21 cm
Wingspan
34-40 cm
Weight
0.043-0.055 kg
Lifespan
4-7 years
Top Speed
55 km/h
Clutch Size
4-7
Incubation
10-13 days
Migration Distance
3000 km

Diet & Feeding

Feeds mainly on tree sap, collected from its own drilled holes, supplemented with insects and fruits.

Age differences: Young birds are fed mostly insects and fruit, gradually switching to a sap-heavy diet.

Primary Foods

  • Tree sap
  • Ants
  • Beetles
  • Berries
  • Fruit

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 nests.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Yellow-bellied Sapsucker?

19-21 cm

What is Yellow-bellied Sapsucker's wingspan?

34-40 cm

How much does Yellow-bellied Sapsucker weigh?

0.043-0.055 kg

How long does Yellow-bellied Sapsucker live?

4-7 years

How fast can Yellow-bellied Sapsucker move?

55 km/h

What does Yellow-bellied Sapsucker eat?

Feeds mainly on tree sap, collected from its own drilled holes, supplemented with insects and fruits.

Where is Yellow-bellied Sapsucker usually found?

Forests

How does Yellow-bellied Sapsucker hunt?

Foraging

Snap Map

Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.

Loading map…

Recent Snaps

Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.

Where to spot

More Birds