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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
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Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

28

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 to identify Yellow-bellied Sapsucker?

The easiest way to identify Yellow-bellied Sapsucker is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

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

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