Williamson's Sapsucker

Left: female Williamson's Sapsucker at nest site in aspen tree. Right, male Williamson's Sapsucker on aspen tree.
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.
 

Last updated: August 23, 2018

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Mailing Address:

1000 US Hwy 36
Estes Park, CO 80517

Phone:

970 586-1206
The Information Office is open year-round: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. daily in summer; 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Mondays - Fridays and 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Saturdays - Sundays in winter. Recorded Trail Ridge Road status: (970) 586-1222.

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