Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius ORDER: PICIFORMES FAMILY: PICIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

• Similar Species
• Related Species
• Go to: Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Lesser Black-backed Gull Broad-billed Hummingbird Connecticut Warbler White-winged Scoter Greater Sage-Grouse Pacific-slope Flycatcher Sharp-tailed Grouse Lucifer Hummingbird

© Cameron Rognan

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.