Red-breasted Sapsucker Overview, All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology

The Red-breasted Sapsucker has two subspecies. The northern form, resident from Alaska to Oregon, is redder on the head and has less white on the back. The southern form, found in California, often shows the black and white face striping of the other sapsucker species, but all the facial feathers are tipped in red.

Hummingbirds of several species make use of sapsucker feeding holes and come to rely on them. The Rufous Hummingbird is closely associated with the Red-breasted Sapsucker. It nests near sap wells and may follow the woodpecker around during the day, feeding at the wells the sapsucker keeps flowing.

The oldest recorded Red-breasted Sapsucker was at least 5 years old when it was found after being hit by a car. It lived in British Columbia.

Feeding Birds: a Quick Guide to Seed Types

Analysis: The Economic Value of Birds

Building Skills: The 4 Keys to Bird Identification

How to Choose the Right Kind of Bird Feeder

6 Steps to Choosing a Pair of Binoculars You'll Love

eBird: Help & FAQ

Don't miss a thing! Join our email list

Basic Description

Other Names

Feeding Birds: a Quick Guide to Seed Types

Analysis: The Economic Value of Birds

Building Skills: The 4 Keys to Bird Identification

How to Choose the Right Kind of Bird Feeder

6 Steps to Choosing a Pair of Binoculars You'll Love

eBird: Help & FAQ