Yellow-bellied sapsuckers (aka Sphyrapicus varius) look similar to downy and hairy woodpeckers, which also make their home in northwest New Jersey. The resemblance is not surprising since they are actually classed as members of the woodpecker family.
However, there are some key distinctions between sapsuckers and their woodpecker relatives. While all three species are black and white, the red “cap” of the yellow- bellied sapsucker extends from the end of the beak, closest to the eyes, to the crown of the head. This is the case for both the male and female of the species, however the male will also have a red throat.
Only males of the downy and hairy woodpeckers have their red “cap” further back on their heads, almost like a child wearing a beanie. The females of downy and hairy woodpeckers lack any red coloring. Additionally, yellow-bellied sapsuckers have a hint of yellowing on their chest which gives them a slightly dirty appearance.
Yellow-bellied sapsuckers are the only type of woodpecker in eastern North America that will migrate down to the southern states in the winter. Yellow-bellied sapsuckers will nest in stands of smaller tree species, their preferred habitat being a mix of deciduous hardwood and conifer forests. Although their favorite trees are maple and birch, yellow-bellied sapsuckers will occasionally visit suet feeders at people’s homes as a part of their diet, and you might spot their holes on any type of tree as well.
The Truly Unique Feeding Habits of the Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker
The most interesting thing about yellow-bellied sapsuckers is the way they drill their holes into the trees. Yellow-bellied sapsuckers tap neat little rows that almost look unnatural. They will drill small rectangular holes with smaller round holes underneath.
These rows of holes, serve two purposes. One, by releasing the sugary sap and giving access to the cambium layer (the green, fleshy layer just under the bark) of the tree, they can then access a delicious energy source that they can lap up, similar to when people tap trees to collect maple syrup. The sugary sap also attracts insects, like moths, gnats, or ants, who then get stuck in the drippy sweet stuff in the smaller holes, and become a source of protein for the yellow-bellied sapsucker.
Other birds and animals will take advantage of the tree taps as well, such as ruby-throated hummingbirds or even porcupines. Excessive amounts of yellow-bellied sapsucker holes in trees, while rare, can damage trees by making them vulnerable to disease and the excessive loss of sap.
While the name can be a bit deceiving—and almost sound like an insult—the yellow-bellied sapsucker is ingenious in its methods of obtaining food and making use of the trees’ sugary sap to attract insects.
The conservation status of the yellow-bellied sapsucker is stable, and the outlook for their future is good.
Fun Facts About the Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker
- Yellow-bellied sapsuckers have the red “cap” on their forehead where downy and hairy woodpeckers, who look similar, have their red “cap” the back of their heads.
- Yellow-bellied sapsuckers are the only migrating woodpecker in the eastern U.S.
- They have a yellowing on their chest that makes them appear dirty.
- Yellow-bellied sapsuckers drill holes in two straight lines along trees.
- The drilled holes allow the sapsuckers to not only lap up sap, but also to harvest any insects that get stuck in the sap.
Jennifer has a Masters in Parks and Resource Management from Slippery Rock University. She worked as a Park Naturalist for Hunterdon County Park System from 2003-2006 and then at the NJSOC full-time from 2006 - 2020, starting as the Program Coordinator and evolving to an Environmental Educator. Jen is a New Jersey native and has lived in Warren County with her family since 2004. She is excited to be offering programs to this community she has grown to love.
- Jennifer Correa-Kruegel, Warren County Naturalisthttps://ridgeviewecho.com/author/jennifer-correa-kruegel-warren-county-naturalist/
- Jennifer Correa-Kruegel, Warren County Naturalisthttps://ridgeviewecho.com/author/jennifer-correa-kruegel-warren-county-naturalist/
- Jennifer Correa-Kruegel, Warren County Naturalisthttps://ridgeviewecho.com/author/jennifer-correa-kruegel-warren-county-naturalist/
- Jennifer Correa-Kruegel, Warren County Naturalisthttps://ridgeviewecho.com/author/jennifer-correa-kruegel-warren-county-naturalist/
