Red-naped Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus nuchalis

The Red-naped Sapsucker was considered a race of the Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker until late in the 20th century.  The Red-naped Sapsucker has a distinctly different range, found only in the western United States, and only regularly in the Black Hills in South Dakota.  Both species are very similar in appearance.

Habitat: Prefers aspen groves.  Elsewhere found in deciduous to mixed forest. 

Diet: Drills sap "wells" and feeds frequently on tree sap.  Also takes insects, fruit, and berries.

Behavior: Drills sap wells into select trees and returns often to retrieve both leaked sap and insects trapped in the sap.  Also climbs along tree trunks and branches to capture insects, and will occasionally fly out from a perch to catch a flying insect in mid-air.

Nesting: June and July

Breeding Map: Breeding Bird Survey Map

Song: Generally silent, with occasional cat-like mewing.

Migration: Summers in and around the Northern to Mid-Rockies.  Winters in Mexico and Southern Rockies.

Similar Species: Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Williamson's Sapsucker

Feeders: Fruit, will use hummingbird feeders for nectar, occasionally suet.

Conservation Status: Generally stable throughout its range.

Further Information: 1) Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Red-naped Sapsucker 

2) Cornell University's "All About Birds - Red-naped Sapsucker"

3) eNature.com: Red-naped Sapsucker

Photo Information: May 31st, 2003 -- Beaver Ridge in Lawrence County -- Doug Backlund