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    Red-breasted Sapsucker Identification

    Red-breasted Sapsucker Adult
    Adult

    Medium-sized woodpecker with a red head and breast and a white spot in front of the eye. A large vertical white patch is usually visible on the folded wing. Lacks black on the breast. Sexes alike.

    © Grace Oliver | Macaulay LibraryWashington, April 27, 2017
    Red-breasted Sapsucker Juvenile
    Juvenile

    Juveniles are washed in brown with a darker back and a vertical white wing patch.

    © Jody Wells | Macaulay LibraryBritish Columbia, July 08, 2017
    Red-breasted Sapsucker Adult
    Adult

    © Evan M Barrientos | Macaulay LibraryAlaska
    Red-breasted Sapsucker Adult
    Adult

    Breeds in evergreen and deciduous forests.

    © Peter Hawrylyshyn | Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, June 06, 2017
    Red-breasted Sapsucker (ruber) Adult
    Adult

    Drills a series of parallel rows to access tree sap. Note red head and breast and vertical white wing patch.

    © Greg Gillson | Macaulay LibraryOregon, May 15, 2010
    Red-breasted Sapsucker Adult
    Adult

    © Jay W McGowan | Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, June 19, 2012
    Red-breasted Sapsucker Adult
    Adult

    Nests in holes in trees. Males and females look alike.

    © Nick Rosen | Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, June 14, 2013
    Red-breasted Sapsucker Adult
    Adult

    Drills series of parallel rows to access sap, which it laps up with it tongue.

    © Paul Fenwick | Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, January 07, 2017
    Red-breasted Sapsucker Adult
    Adult

    © Larry R Arbanas | Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, January 01, 2005
    See more images of this species in Macaulay Library

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    Adult Description

    • Medium-sized woodpecker.
    • Red head and breast.
    • White stripe running up side.

    Immature Description

    Juvenile similar, but head all dark brown.
    Relative Size

    Relative Sizerobin sizedrobin-sized
    Measurements
    • Both Sexes
      • Length: 7.9-8.7 in (20-22 cm)
      • Weight: 1.4-2.4 oz (39-68 g)
      • Wingspan: 14.6-15.8 in (37-40 cm)

    Species in This Family

    Woodpeckers(Order: Piciformes, Family: Picidae)

    Lewis's WoodpeckerLewis's Woodpecker
    Red-headed WoodpeckerRed-headed Woodpecker
    Acorn WoodpeckerAcorn Woodpecker
    Gila WoodpeckerGila Woodpecker
    Golden-fronted WoodpeckerGolden-fronted Woodpecker
    Red-bellied WoodpeckerRed-bellied Woodpecker
    Williamson's SapsuckerWilliamson's Sapsucker
    Yellow-bellied SapsuckerYellow-bellied Sapsucker
    Red-naped SapsuckerRed-naped Sapsucker
    Red-breasted SapsuckerRed-breasted Sapsucker
    Ladder-backed WoodpeckerLadder-backed Woodpecker
    Nuttall's WoodpeckerNuttall's Woodpecker
    Downy WoodpeckerDowny Woodpecker
    Hairy WoodpeckerHairy Woodpecker
    Arizona WoodpeckerArizona Woodpecker
    Red-cockaded WoodpeckerRed-cockaded Woodpecker
    White-headed WoodpeckerWhite-headed Woodpecker
    American Three-toed WoodpeckerAmerican Three-toed Woodpecker
    Black-backed WoodpeckerBlack-backed Woodpecker
    Northern FlickerNorthern Flicker
    Gilded FlickerGilded Flicker
    Pileated WoodpeckerPileated Woodpecker
    Ivory-billed WoodpeckerIvory-billed Woodpecker

    Browse Species in This Family

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