Sphyrapicus nuchalis
The Red-naped Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus nuchalis) is a striking medium-sized woodpecker, measuring approximately 19-21 cm (7.5-8.3 in) in length with a wingspan of 34-39 cm (13-15 in) and weighing 35-65 g (1.2-2.3 oz). This visually distinct bird is characterized by a prominent red nape patch, a bright red forehead and crown, and a white stripe running from above the eye to behind the ear. Its black and white patterned back creates a 'ladder-back' appearance, contrasting with a pale yellowish wa...
Found primarily in montane mixed coniferous and deciduous forests, preferring stands with aspens, birches, or conifers like ponderosa pine and firs. They typically breed at mid to high elevations, descending to lower elevations for winter.
Mainly tree sap (especially from aspens, willows, birches, and pines), cambium, phloem, and insects (ants, beetles, flies) attracted to the sap. They also consume berries and fruits.
Red-naped Sapsuckers are diurnal, spending their days foraging and defending territories, roosting in tree cavities at night. Their primary foraging method involves drilling precise rows of shallow sap wells, which they repeatedly visit to lap up flowing sap with their brush-tipped tongues; they ...
The Red-naped Sapsucker breeds extensively across the interior western mountains of North America. Its breeding range extends from southern British Columbia and southwestern Alberta, south through the Rocky Mountains to central Arizona, New Mexico, and western Texas, and eastward into the Black H...
Least Concern
- The Red-naped Sapsucker often hybridizes extensively with both the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker to its east and the Red-breasted Sapsucker to its west, creating complex identification challenges for birders. - Their specialized tongue has a brush-like tip, perfectly adapted for lapping up tree sap ...