Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Sphyrapicus varius, is a medium-sized woodpecker.

Adults are black on the back and wings with white bars; they have a black head with white lines down the side and a red forehead and crown, a yellow breast and upper belly, a white lower belly and rump and a black tail with a white central bar. Adult males have a red throat; females have a white throat.

Their breeding habitat is forested areas scross Canada, eastern Alaska and the northeastern United States. They nest in a large cavity excavated in a deciduous tree, often choosing one weakened by disease; the same site may be used for several years.

These birds migrate to the southeastern United States and Central America, leaving their summer range. This species has occurred as a very rare vagrant to ireland and Great Britain.

These birds drill holes in trees and eat the sap and insects drawn to it. They may also pick insects from tree trunks or catch them in flight. They also eat fruit and berries.

They drum and give a cat-like call in spring to declare ownership on territory.