| Red-breasted Sapsucker | |
|---|---|
 adult | |
 juvenile | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Piciformes |
| Family: | Picidae |
| Genus: | Sphyrapicus |
| Species: | S. ruber |
The Red-breasted Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus ruber) is a common bird found in the coniferous forests in western North America.
Taxonomy[]
Until recently, the Red-breasted Sapsucker and Red-naped Sapsucker were considered a single species. Therefore, differences in behavior have not been studied until the separation.
There are two subspecies of Red-breasted Sapsucker:
- S. r. ruber - The northern subspecies. They have yellow bars on the back and a yellow upper belly.
- S. r. daggetti - Residents of southern North America. This subspecies has white bars on the back and a pale belly.
Appearance[]
As the name infers, Red-breasted Sapsuckers have red feathers on their head and upper chest. The belly is white with black speckles. Their upperparts are black barred with white, and they have a prominent white stripe across each black wing. Juveniles are similar in appearance to adults, except with a dark-brown head.
Both sexes are 7.9-8.7 inches (20-22 cm) in length, weight 1.9-2.2 oz (53.1-63.5 g), and have a wingspan of 14.6-16.0 inches (37-40.6 cm).
Habitat and Distribution[]
Distribution
During the summer, the Red-breasted Sapsucker is predominantly found in coniferous forestsin the northwest coast, while farther south in the mountains, it is found in mixed coniferous-deciduous forests. In winter some move south or into lowlands. Sapsuckers breed primarily in coniferous forests, but also uses deciduous and riparian habitat, as well as orchards and power line cuts. They are usually found in mature and old-growth forests, but will breed in second growth as long as there are some large nesting trees.
Life History[]
Diet and Feeding[]
A sapsucker's tongue is equipped with stiff hairs for collecting tree sap. Red-breasted Sapsuckers will drill horizontal rows of holes, then return to them periodically to feed off of the sap that flows out. Unlike most woodpeckers, they forage in healthy trees and are capable of killing a tree if they drill too many sap-holes around its trunk, although this is quite uncommon. They also eat bits of cambium and other tree tissues, as well as insects that are trapped in the sap. Besides drilling sap wells, they glean insects from tree trunks and catch insects in the air. Berries and fruits are eaten year-round.
Nesting[]
Adult and hatchling
Courtship displays include pointing bill up and swaying from side to side. Red-breasted Sapsuckers will form monogamous pairs.
Nest work beings in April to May, where both the male and female excavate a nest cavity in a dead tree or dead branch. No material is added to the nest cavity. They nest high, at 50-60 feet or more above ground. The female lays 4-7 white eggs that measure 0.8-1.0 inches (2.1-2.6 cm) in length and 0.6-0.8 inches (1.6-2 cm) in width. Eggs are incubated by both parents for 14-15 days. The hatchlings are naked and helpless after hatching, and are fed by both parents. Sapsuckers are ready to leave the nest after 25 to 29 days. Red-breasted Sapsuckers typically raise a single brood each year. They will often use the same tree in subsequent years, but not the same nest cavity.
Red-breasted Sapsuckers have also been known to mate with Red-naped Sapsuckers or Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers when their ranges overlap.
Vocalizations and Other Sounds[]
Sapsucker vocalizations include a variety of chatter, squeals, and scream-like calls. They also drum on various surfaces. Many of these sounds are made to establish territory and attract a mate.
Status[]
Red-breasted Sapsuckers are considered a keystone species due to the reliance other species have on their sap wells. According to the North American Breeding Bird Survey, Red-breasted Sapsucker populations are stable and have slightly increased between 1966 and 2014. Partners in Flight estimates a global breeding population of 2 million, with 68% spending some part of the year in the U.S., 45% in Canada, and 5% breeding in Mexico. The Continental Concern Score rates the species a 12 out of 20. Red-breasted Sapsucker is a U.S.-Canada Stewardship species, and is not on the 2014 State of the Birds Watch List. Historically shot as orchard pests, this species is now protected. Forestry practices that remove snags may decrease Red-breasted Sapsucker abundance in particular areas.
Trivia[]
- The average lifespan of a Red-breasted Sapsucker is 2-3 years.
- Several species of hummingbirds make use of sapsucker feeding holes and come to rely on them. The Rufous Hummingbird is closely associated with the Red-breasted Sapsucker. It nests near sap wells and may follow the woodpecker around during the day, feeding at the wells the sapsucker drills.