Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius)
The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius) is a distinctive migratory woodpecker native to North America, particularly known for its unique feeding habits that include drilling sap wells in trees. This mid-sized bird, with its striking plumage and characteristic red forehead, plays a crucial role in its ecosystem by providing sap access to other species and controlling insect populations.
Common Names
| 🇨🇦 | Yellow-bellied Sapsucker |
| 🇫🇷 | Pic maculé |
| 🇩🇪 | Gelbbauch-Saftlecker |
| 🇲🇽 | Chupasavia norteño |
Taxonomy
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
Characteristics
| Length | 19-21cm |
| Weight | 35-62g |
| Wingspan | 34-40cm |
| Clutch Size | 4-6 eggs |
| Incubation | 10-13 days |
| Fledging | 25-30 days |
| Sexual Maturity | 1 year |
Explore More
📖 Wikipedia Page: For more information about this species.
🎧 Apple Podcast: About this species' biology, behavior and ecological importance.
Identification and Whereabouts
Both male and female Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers have a red patch on their foreheads. Males also have a red throat. This species resembles the Hairy Woodpecker but does not have the red patch on the back of its head.
Encounters
I observed this bird in early spring at Parc Mont-Royal.
| Location | Spring | Summer | Autumn | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parc Mont Saint-Bruno | x | - | - | - |
| Parc national du Bic | x | - | - | - |
"x" indicates the species was observed, while "-" indicates no observation. Lack of observation doesn't necessarily imply that the species is absent. Data is derived from my park visit journals.
All content on this page — including photos, videos, and field audio recordings — was created by Karl-Heinz Müller, a Montréal-based wildlife filmmaker, sound recordist, and photographer. Founder of MUUUH and Québec Sauvage, he has spent over a decade documenting Canada’s natural habitats through immersive soundscapes and wildlife films. Learn more about Karl-Heinz
Last updated: 2025-01-02