Red-breasted Sapsucker
Sphyrapicus ruber
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Red-breasted Sapsucker is a striking woodpecker with a vibrant red head and breast. Its back is primarily black with a yellow and white rump, while the wings display a distinctive white wing bar. The bird's underparts are pale with dark barring.
Both sexes have similar plumage, though males may have slightly brighter red coloration. Juveniles appear duller, with a brownish head and less defined markings.
Size
Length
19cm to 22cm
Wingspan
35cm to 40cm
Weight
50g to 80g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Red Black
Secondary Colour
White Yellow
Beak Colour
Grey
Leg Colour
Grey
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Red-breasted Sapsuckers inhabit coniferous and mixed forests along the Pacific coast of North America. Their range extends from southeastern Alaska through western Canada to California, with some populations in the interior western United States.
During winter, some birds move to lower elevations or slightly south, while others remain in their breeding areas year-round, particularly in milder coastal regions.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 2,900 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Subtropical
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Red-breasted Sapsucker. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The Red-breasted Sapsucker demonstrates high agility through its ability to navigate forest environments, cling to tree trunks, and perform precise drilling movements. Its woodpecker adaptations allow for nimble manoeuvring amongst branches and swift flight patterns.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
While not exceptionally strong for its size, the Red-breasted Sapsucker possesses sufficient strength to excavate nest cavities and drill sap wells in tree bark. Its ability to drum rapidly on wood also indicates a moderate level of strength in its neck and head muscles.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
This species shows notable adaptability by inhabiting a wide elevation range from sea level to 2,900 metres. Its partial migratory behaviour and ability to thrive in various forest types, including coniferous and mixed woodlands, further demonstrate its adaptable nature.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Red-breasted Sapsuckers are not particularly aggressive birds. They maintain territories during breeding season and may display territorial behaviour through drumming, but they are generally solitary and do not exhibit high levels of aggression towards other species or conspecifics.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
The endurance of Red-breasted Sapsuckers is evidenced by their ability to drill up to 20 holes per minute when creating sap wells, a task requiring sustained effort. Their partial migratory habits and ability to withstand varied climatic conditions also suggest a good level of endurance.
Diet
Red-breasted Sapsuckers primarily feed on tree sap, which they obtain by drilling holes in bark. They also consume insects, especially those attracted to their sap wells, and occasionally eat fruits and berries.
Their specialized tongues are shorter than those of other woodpeckers and specially adapted with barbed edges at the tip, which helps them to extract as much sap as possible.
Behaviour
Red-breasted Sapsuckers are known for their methodical drilling of sap wells in trees, creating rows of small holes. They feed on sap, and insects are attracted to these wells.
These birds are generally solitary but may form loose flocks during migration or in winter.
Vocalisation
The Red-breasted Sapsucker's call is a distinctive, cat-like mewing sound, often transcribed as 'mew-aah' or 'waa-waa'.
During the breeding season, they produce a series of rhythmic drumming sounds on resonant wood, which serves as a territorial signal.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding season for Red-breasted Sapsuckers typically begins in late April to early May. Pairs form monogamous bonds and often return to the same nesting area each year.
These woodpeckers excavate nest cavities in dead or diseased trees, preferring aspens, cottonwoods, or conifers. The female lays 4-7 white eggs in the unlined cavity.
Both parents share incubation duties for about 12-14 days. After hatching, nestlings remain in the cavity for approximately 25-29 days before fledging, with both parents providing care.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While currently listed as Least Concern, Red-breasted Sapsuckers face threats from habitat loss due to logging and urban development.
Conservation efforts focus on preserving mature forests and maintaining suitable nesting trees in managed woodlands.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for neat rows of small holes on tree trunks, a telltale sign of sapsucker activity
- Listen for their distinctive cat-like mewing call
- Observe deciduous and coniferous trees in western North American forests
- Visit sap wells regularly, as these birds often return to the same feeding sites
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Predators
Main predators include hawks, owls, and occasionally tree-climbing mammals such as martens and squirrels. Nest predators may include raccoons and snakes.
Did You Know?
- Red-breasted Sapsuckers create sap wells that benefit many other species, including hummingbirds and insects.
- They have a symbiotic relationship with certain fungi, inadvertently spreading spores as they forage.
- These woodpeckers can drill up to 20 holes per minute when creating sap wells.
FAQs
Do Red-breasted Sapsuckers go to bird feeders?
In yards with aspen, birch, or pine trees, red-breasted sapsuckers may be tempted to investigate hanging suet feeders and large nectar feeders.
References
- 1
website: BirdLife International. 2018. Sphyrapicus ruber. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T22680874A130036416.
View source - 3
report, 2016: Tracewski et al.
- 2
website, 2022: Partners in Flight
View source - 4
website: Longevity Records Of North American Birds. Version 2023.1
View source
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