Sphyrapicus varius

(Linnaeus, 1766)

Vernacular names
English : Yellow-bellied sapsucker
French : Pic maculé

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Piciformes
Family : Picidae
Notes : No subspecies known

Identification
The species grows to a length of 21 cm for a weight of 62 g. Head with black and white bands, read forehead and crown. Black wings and back with white spotting. Buff-yellow belly with black spotting. Male has red throat, female’s is white.

Range and habitat
The species breeds from east Alaska to south-east Canada and north-east USA. It winters in east and South-east USA, Caribbean islands and Central America. Lives in mixed coniferous forests, open woodlands, from 900 to 3500 meters.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species still has a large range and remains common but inconspicuous. Its need for specific trees for sap-sucking could be cause of concern.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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