Sphyrapicus varius
This sapsucker is typically an eastern bird, and it only enters the Rockies through the low passes in Jasper National Park. Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers can be closely approached around their nest sites, which are almost exclusively in aspen-dominated stands. Like most woodpeckers, they feed their young almost constantly-both parents must return to the nest site with food every 5 to 10 minutes. Loony Toons cartoons have long had fun at the expense of the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, but contrary to rumor, these woodpeckers are no more cowardly than other birds. The scientific name varius refers to the variability once thought to exist within the species. It is no longer as variable, however, because the Red-naped Sapsucker and the Red-breasted Sapsucker, which were once regarded as subspecies of the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, are now considered separate species. |
I.D.: General: black bib; red forecrown; black-and-white face, back, wings and tail; yellow wash on the belly. Male: red chin. Female: whitish chin. Size: L 7-8 in. (18-20 cm). Range: uncommon migrant and summer resident in Banff and Jasper NPs; rare elsewhere in the Rockies. Habitat: deciduous and mixed woods in the foothills and the lower montane. Nesting: in a cavity, usually in a live birch or aspen with heart-rot; usually lines the cavity with wood chips; pair incubates 5-6 eggs for 12-13 days. Feeding: hammers trees for insects; creates 'wells' and collects sap and trapped insects; also flycatches for insects. Voice: nasal, cat-like meow; territorial/courtship hammering has a Morse-code quality and rhythm. Similar Species: Red-naped Sapsucker: adult is extremely similar but has a small red patch on the back of the head; range is very useful in separating the species. |
