Species Profile
Red-naped Sapsucker
Sphyrapicus nuchalis
Red-naped Sapsucker
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernAlso known as: Red-naped Woodpecker
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Appearance
The Red-naped Sapsucker is a striking woodpecker with a black back, white rump, and distinctive red patches on its head. Its underparts are pale whitish-yellow with dark barring, displaying a bold white wing stripe when perched.
Males have a red crown, nape, and throat, while females have a red crown and nape but a white chin and throat, sometimes a small reddish patch. Juveniles resemble adults but have duller, brownish plumage and less defined markings.
Identification & Characteristics
Colors
- Primary
- Red
- Secondary
- Yellow
- 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-naped Sapsuckers inhabit coniferous and deciduous forests across western North America, from British Columbia to northern Mexico. They show a preference for aspen groves and mixed woodlands, often near water sources.
During the breeding season, they are found in higher-elevation forests. In winter, they migrate to lower elevations and more southern regions, including parts of the southwestern United States and Mexico.
Distribution
Diet
Red-naped Sapsuckers primarily feed on tree sap, which they obtain by drilling holes in tree bark. They also consume insects, especially those attracted to the sap wells they create.
Fruits and berries supplement their diet, particularly in fall and winter when sap is less available, as well as aspen buds in spring.
Behaviour
Red-naped Sapsuckers are known for their systematic drilling of sap wells in trees, creating rows of small holes to feed on sap and insects attracted to it.
They are generally solitary but may form loose flocks during migration. These birds often cling to tree trunks, moving in short hops as they search for food.
Calls & Sounds
Red-naped Sapsuckers have a variety of vocalizations. Their most common call is a nasal, cat-like 'mew' or 'meah.'
During courtship and territorial displays, they produce a rapid drumming sound on resonant tree trunks or branches, creating a distinctive 'rattle' that echoes through the forest.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding season for Red-naped Sapsuckers typically begins in late spring. Pairs form monogamous bonds and often return to the same nesting area year after year.
These woodpeckers excavate new nest cavities each year, primarily in aspen or other softwood trees. The female lays 3-7 white eggs in the cavity lined with wood chips.
Both parents share incubation duties for about 12-14 days. After hatching, the nestlings remain in the cavity for 25-29 days before fledging, with both parents continuing to care for them.
Conservation
While currently listed as Least Concern, Red-naped Sapsuckers face threats from habitat loss due to deforestation and climate change.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting mature forests and maintaining diverse tree species in their range, which is crucial for their feeding and nesting requirements.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for neat rows of small holes on tree trunks, indicating sapsucker activity
- Listen for their distinctive 'mew' call or rapid drumming on trees
- Search for them in aspen and coniferous forests, especially near water sources
- Observe trees with fresh sap flows, as sapsuckers often return to these sites
Did You Know?
- Red-naped Sapsuckers create sap wells that benefit many other species, including hummingbirds and insects.
- They have specially adapted tongues with brush-like tips to efficiently collect sap from their wells.
- These woodpeckers play a crucial role in creating nesting cavities that are later used by other bird species.
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