Sphyrapicus varius ORDER: PICIFORMES FAMILY: PICIDAE
IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern
© Lang Elliott / CLO
Although most non-birders believe that the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker is a fictitious bird created just for the humorous name, in fact it is a widespread species of small woodpecker. Its habit of making shallow holes in trees to get sap is exploited by other bird species, and the sapsucker can be considered a "keystone" species, one whose existence is vital for the maintenance of a community.
Call a nasal mewing "me-ah." Drumming a distinctive slow irregular tapping, easily imitated by tapping on a tree with a stick.