Williamson's Sapsucker

Left: female Williamson's Sapsucker at nest cavity in aspen tree. Right: male Williamson's Sapsucker.

Left: NPS Photo / Ann Schonlau, Right: NPS Photo / Rachel Ames

Size: 8.5-10”
Description: The male is mostly black with white barring on the back and wings, two white stripes on the face, white wing patch, red throat, yellow belly and a white rump that can be seen in flight. The female is brownish overall with white barring on the wings, a brown head, black breast and yellow belly.
Migratory Status: Summer residents of Rocky Mountain National Park.
Habitat: Breed in ponderosa pine, aspen and other coniferous forests to 9,000 feet and occasionally 11,000 feet.
Diet: Drill holes in tree bark and eat the sap that oozes from the holes as well as insects that get caught in the sap.

 

• Williamson's Sapsucker (drum)

  
  

  Williamson's Sapsucker drum recorded at Hollowell Park in Rocky Mountain National Park. A Yellow-rumped (Audubon's) Warbler, Pine Siskin and Pine Squirrel can also be heard in the recording.

  Credit / Author:

  J. Job

  Date created:

  06/30/2015

  Audio Transcript

  Transcript due 4/1/2025