 |
|
|
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
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
Proud Member Of:
Please mail any comments/suggestions/additional links for this page to: Terry L. Sohl
This page was last edited on 02/03/08
