Red-naped Sapsucker -- South Dakota Birds

Length: 8.5 inches Wingspan: 17 inches Seasonality: Summer
ID Keys:  Long white patch on wing, red cap, red throat on male, red-and-white throat on female.  Range distinguishes it from Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker.  
Red-naped Sapsucker - Sphyrapicus nuchalis

Red-naped Sapsucker - South Dakota Range Map

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.

Nesting: June and July

Breeding Map: Breeding Bird Survey Map

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

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

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

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

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) E-nature.com: Red-naped Sapsucker

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

 

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This page was last edited on 02/03/08