Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
June 1, 2005
The Sapsuckers form the genus Sphyrapicus within the woodpecker family Picidae.
The species currently recognized include:
- Williamson’s Sapsucker Sphyrapicus thyroideus
- Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Sphyrapicus varius
- Red-naped Sapsucker Sphyrapicus nuchalis
- Red-breasted Sapsucker Sphyrapicus rubber
All are found in North America.
As their name implies, sapsuckers feed partly on the sap of trees (though they do also eat insects). In consequence, they bore numerous holes in the bark, and are sometimes thought of as a pest by foresters.