Sphyrapicus thyroideus
Williamson's Sapsuckers exhibit striking sexual dimorphism. Males are predominantly black with a yellow belly, white wing patch, and red throat. Their back features a distinctive white rump and central white stripe.
Males and females are so unalike that they were originally thought to be two different species. Females share the yellow belly patch, although theirs is much smaller in size. A small black patch marks the upper breast, but otherwise, their plumage is mottled with white and brownish-black barring, apart from a solid white rump and a brown head with faint lighter streaks.
Both sexes have black bills and legs, with males showing more contrast in their plumage compared to the cryptic coloration of females. Juveniles of both sexes resemble adults, although their markings are duller and less clearly defined.
Length
21cm to 25cm
Wingspan
43cm to 46cm
Weight
44g to 66g
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Williamson's Sapsuckers inhabit montane conifer forests across western North America, from British Columbia to northern Mexico. They show a preference for mature stands of pine, fir, and aspen.
During the breeding season, they are found at higher elevations in the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada. In winter, some populations move to lower elevations or slightly southward but remain within forested areas.
1,200 to 3,500 meters
Temperate, Subarctic
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Williamson's Sapsucker. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
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