Red-naped Sapsucker - Sphyrapicus nuchalis

Red-naped Sapsucker Range Map

Description: The Rep-naped Sapsucker is a familiar sight in the Western half of the United States. They don't migrate far, but will travel from the Southern United States and Northern Mexico into the Northwestern US and some parts of Southwestern Canada. They can be identified in the field by their broad white patches on their wings and a white rump which is best seen when the bird is in flight. Otherwise birders should look for their red head, nape, and throat, and black-and-white barred upperparts. The females average more white on the throat whereas the throat of males are pure red, but this is difficult to see in the field. The Red-naped Sapsucker is a member of the woodpecker family, Picidae, and can also be identified by their "squeaky" calls as they make their way up thick branches and tree trunks in search for food.

Above photo by K. Clare, Spring 2017.