Species Profile
Red-breasted Sapsucker
Sphyrapicus ruber
Red-breasted Sapsucker
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernAlso known as: Red-breasted Woodpecker
Think you've spotted a Red-breasted Sapsucker?
Upload a photo and our AI will confirm it instantly
Confirm with a PhotoGallery
Appearance
The Red-breasted Sapsucker is a striking woodpecker with a vibrant red head and breast. Its back is primarily black with a yellow and white rump, while the wings display a distinctive white wing bar. The bird's underparts are pale with dark barring.
Both sexes have similar plumage, though males may have slightly brighter red coloration. Juveniles appear duller, with a brownish head and less defined markings.
Identification & Characteristics
Colors
- Primary
- Red
- Secondary
- White
- Beak
- Grey
- Legs
- Grey
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & Distribution
Red-breasted Sapsuckers inhabit coniferous and mixed forests along the Pacific coast of North America. Their range extends from southeastern Alaska through western Canada to California, with some populations in the interior western United States.
During winter, some birds move to lower elevations or slightly south, while others remain in their breeding areas year-round, particularly in milder coastal regions.
Distribution
Diet
Red-breasted Sapsuckers primarily feed on tree sap, which they obtain by drilling holes in bark. They also consume insects, especially those attracted to their sap wells, and occasionally eat fruits and berries.
Their specialized tongues are shorter than those of other woodpeckers and specially adapted with barbed edges at the tip, which helps them to extract as much sap as possible.
Behaviour
Red-breasted Sapsuckers are known for their methodical drilling of sap wells in trees, creating rows of small holes. They feed on sap, and insects are attracted to these wells.
These birds are generally solitary but may form loose flocks during migration or in winter.
Calls & Sounds
The Red-breasted Sapsucker's call is a distinctive, cat-like mewing sound, often transcribed as 'mew-aah' or 'waa-waa'.
During the breeding season, they produce a series of rhythmic drumming sounds on resonant wood, which serves as a territorial signal.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding season for Red-breasted Sapsuckers typically begins in late April to early May. Pairs form monogamous bonds and often return to the same nesting area each year.
These woodpeckers excavate nest cavities in dead or diseased trees, preferring aspens, cottonwoods, or conifers. The female lays 4-7 white eggs in the unlined cavity.
Both parents share incubation duties for about 12-14 days. After hatching, nestlings remain in the cavity for approximately 25-29 days before fledging, with both parents providing care.
Conservation
While currently listed as Least Concern, Red-breasted Sapsuckers face threats from habitat loss due to logging and urban development.
Conservation efforts focus on preserving mature forests and maintaining suitable nesting trees in managed woodlands.
Elevation
Sea level to 2,900 meters
Additional Details
- Predators:
- Main predators include hawks, owls, and occasionally tree-climbing mammals such as martens and squirrels. Nest predators may include raccoons and snakes.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for neat rows of small holes on tree trunks, a telltale sign of sapsucker activity
- Listen for their distinctive cat-like mewing call
- Observe deciduous and coniferous trees in western North American forests
- Visit sap wells regularly, as these birds often return to the same feeding sites
Did You Know?
- Red-breasted Sapsuckers create sap wells that benefit many other species, including hummingbirds and insects.
- They have a symbiotic relationship with certain fungi, inadvertently spreading spores as they forage.
- These woodpeckers can drill up to 20 holes per minute when creating sap wells.
Community Photos
Be the first to share a photo of the Red-breasted Sapsucker
Upload a PhotoIdentify Any Bird Instantly
- Upload a photo from your phone or camera
- Get an instant AI identification
- Ask follow-up questions about the bird
Monthly Birds in Your Area
- Personalised for your location
- Seasonal tips and garden advice
- Updated every month with new species