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 07, 2017
Red-breasted Sapsucker Adult
Adult

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

Breeds in evergreen and deciduous forests.

© Peter Hawrylyshyn | Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, June 06, 2017
Red-breasted Sapsucker 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 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 Arbanas | Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, January 01, 2005
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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: 1.9-2.2 oz (53.1-63.5 g)
    • Wingspan: 14.6-16.0 in (37-40.6 cm)