Red-naped Sapsucker Bird Facts (Sphyrapicus nuchalis)

Visual Identification

Appearance

The Red-naped Sapsucker is a striking woodpecker with a black back, white rump, and distinctive red patches on its head. Its underparts are pale whitish-yellow with dark barring, displaying a bold white wing stripe when perched.

Males have a red crown, nape, and throat, while females have a red crown and nape but a white chin and throat, sometimes a small reddish patch. Juveniles resemble adults but have duller, brownish plumage and less defined markings.

Size

Length

19cm to 21cm

Wingspan

37cm to 40cm

Weight

32g to 66g

Colours

Males and females have similar plumage

Primary Colour

Red Black White

Secondary Colour

Yellow

Beak Colour

Grey

Leg Colour

Grey

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

The Red-naped Sapsucker can be found in Woodland habitats.

Garden

The Red-naped Sapsucker is not typically found in Garden habitats.

Wetland

The Red-naped Sapsucker is not typically found in Wetland habitats.

Coastal

The Red-naped Sapsucker is not typically found in Coastal habitats.

Urban

The Red-naped Sapsucker is not typically found in Urban habitats.

Farmland

The Red-naped Sapsucker is not typically found in Farmland habitats.

Grassland

The Red-naped Sapsucker is not typically found in Grassland habitats.

Desert

The Red-naped Sapsucker is not typically found in Desert habitats.

Tundra

The Red-naped Sapsucker is not typically found in Tundra habitats.

Rainforest

The Red-naped Sapsucker is not typically found in Rainforest habitats.

Mountain

The Red-naped Sapsucker can be found in Mountain habitats.

Savanna

The Red-naped Sapsucker is not typically found in Savanna habitats.

Distribution

Red-naped Sapsuckers inhabit coniferous and deciduous forests across western North America, from British Columbia to northern Mexico. They show a preference for aspen groves and mixed woodlands, often near water sources.

During the breeding season, they are found in higher-elevation forests. In winter, they migrate to lower elevations and more southern regions, including parts of the southwestern United States and Mexico.

Elevation Range

Up to 2,900 meters

Climate zones

Temperate, Subtropical

Distribution Map

This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Red-naped 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

Resident

Breeding

Distribution by Region

Species that can be found in the area throughout the year

Canada Guatemala Mexico

Species that are present in the area during their breeding season

United States of America

Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

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Bird 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 85

Agility

Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.

The Red-naped Sapsucker demonstrates high agility, adeptly manoeuvring on tree trunks and branches. Their ability to cling to vertical surfaces, make short hops whilst searching for food, and precisely drill sap wells indicates exceptional dexterity and body control.

Strength 60

Strength

Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.

Whilst not exceptionally strong compared to larger birds, Red-naped Sapsuckers possess sufficient strength to excavate nest cavities in trees and drill sap wells. Their ability to drum rapidly on tree trunks for communication also suggests moderate strength for their size.

Adaptability 75

Adaptability

Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.

These woodpeckers show good adaptability, inhabiting various forest types from coniferous to deciduous, and across a wide elevation range up to 2,900 metres. Their ability to switch between sap, insects, and fruits in their diet further demonstrates their adaptiveness to changing conditions.

Aggressiveness 55

Aggressiveness

Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.

Red-naped Sapsuckers are not particularly aggressive birds. They are generally solitary or found in pairs, and whilst they defend territories during breeding season, they don't exhibit notably aggressive behaviour compared to many other bird species.

Endurance 70

Endurance

Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

Their short-distance migratory behaviour, combined with the physical demands of their feeding technique (continuous drilling and sap-lapping), suggests good endurance. The ability to inhabit high-elevation environments also indicates a respectable level of stamina.

Diet

Red-naped Sapsuckers primarily feed on tree sap, which they obtain by drilling holes in tree bark. They also consume insects, especially those attracted to the sap wells they create.

Fruits and berries supplement their diet, particularly in fall and winter when sap is less available, as well as aspen buds in spring.

Behaviour

Red-naped Sapsuckers are known for their systematic drilling of sap wells in trees, creating rows of small holes to feed on sap and insects attracted to it.

They are generally solitary but may form loose flocks during migration. These birds often cling to tree trunks, moving in short hops as they search for food.

Vocalisation

Red-naped Sapsuckers have a variety of vocalizations. Their most common call is a nasal, cat-like 'mew' or 'meah.'

During courtship and territorial displays, they produce a rapid drumming sound on resonant tree trunks or branches, creating a distinctive 'rattle' that echoes through the forest.

Nesting & Breeding

Breeding season for Red-naped Sapsuckers typically begins in late spring. Pairs form monogamous bonds and often return to the same nesting area year after year.

These woodpeckers excavate new nest cavities each year, primarily in aspen or other softwood trees. The female lays 3-7 white eggs in the cavity lined with wood chips.

Both parents share incubation duties for about 12-14 days. After hatching, the nestlings remain in the cavity for 25-29 days before fledging, with both parents continuing to care for them.

Conservation and Status

Global Conservation Status

Least Concern ^[1]

While currently listed as Least Concern, Red-naped Sapsuckers face threats from habitat loss due to deforestation and climate change.

Conservation efforts focus on protecting mature forests and maintaining diverse tree species in their range, which is crucial for their feeding and nesting requirements.

Population Data

Global Population Estimate

2,000,000 mature individuals ^[2]

Global Population Trend

^[3]

Trend data may be uncertain or fluctuating

Birdwatching Tips

Look for neat rows of small holes on tree trunks, indicating sapsucker activity
Listen for their distinctive 'mew' call or rapid drumming on trees
Search for them in aspen and coniferous forests, especially near water sources
Observe trees with fresh sap flows, as sapsuckers often return to these sites

Additional Information

Quick Facts

Other names:

Red-naped Woodpecker

Family:

Picidae

Average Lifespan

2 to 3 years

Max Lifespan

4.9 years ^[4]

Predators

Main predators include hawks, owls, and tree-climbing mammals such as squirrels and weasels. Snakes may also prey on eggs and nestlings.

Did You Know?

Red-naped Sapsuckers create sap wells that benefit many other species, including hummingbirds and insects.
They have specially adapted tongues with brush-like tips to efficiently collect sap from their wells.
These woodpeckers play a crucial role in creating nesting cavities that are later used by other bird species.

References

1
website: BirdLife International. 2018. Sphyrapicus nuchalis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T22680871A130036052.
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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