Red-Naped Sapsucker or Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker?
Here's how to tell the difference
Red-Naped Sapsucker
Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker
Red-Naped Sapsucker
Sphyrapicus nuchalis
General appearance
The red-naped sapsucker is a medium-sized bird with considerable variety in its coloration. It is about the size of a robin, roughly 8 to 9 inches, or 20 to 23 cm in length. The bird showcases a mix of black, brown, red, white, and yellow colors. It typically has red markings on its upper nape. Its wings are broad, long, and rounded, while the tail shape is multi-pointed and wedge-shaped.
Male vs female
There are distinct differences between the male and female red-naped sapsucker. The male usually bears more red on the throat area compared to the female. Conversely, the female’s throat is only partly red, not entirely white. So, the male has an extensively red throat while the female shows a mix of red and white in the same area.
Juvenile
Juvenile birds in late fall closely resemble their adult counterparts in color and size. Unlike other species, the young red-naped sapsuckers are not brown-headed. Thus, young birds of this species share more direct physical similarities with adults compared to some other species.
Size
7.5 - 8.3 in/1.1 - 2.3 oz
There's more to learn about Red-Naped Sapsucker
View full detailsYellow-Bellied Sapsucker
Sphyrapicus varius
General appearance
The yellow-bellied sapsucker, about the size of a Robin, features a striking 8 1/2 inch (22 cm) long white stripe on its folded wing. The bird's back is mottled, and its face is striped. Its wings are broad and rounded, and it bears a distinctive, multi-pointed, wedge-shaped tail.
Male vs female
There are distinguishable differences between the male and female yellow-bellied sapsuckers. Primarily, the throat color varies, with males boasting a red throat while females have a white one. Both sexes exhibit a mix of black, brown, red, white, and yellow in their overall coloration.
Juvenile
Young yellow-bellied sapsuckers in their juvenile stage have brown heads in the fall season. As the season progresses towards late winter, the young birds gradually molt, their appearance shifting to closely resemble that of the adults.
Size
8.3 - 8.7 in/1.6 - 1.9 oz
There's more to learn about Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker
View full detailsHow to tell the Red-Naped Sapsucker from the Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker
Visual differences
The Red-Naped Sapsucker is 8 to 9 inches long, with red on its nape and, in males, more extensive red on the throat. Females have a mix of red and white throats. The Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker, at 8.5 inches, features a striking white wing stripe, a mottled back, and striped face. Males have red throats, females have white. Juveniles differ as Red-Naped juveniles resemble adults, while Yellow-Bellied juveniles have brown heads in fall. Both have broad wings and wedge-shaped tails, but differ notably in throat coloration and plumage patterns.
Key differences and behavior
The Red-naped and Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers exhibit distinct behaviors. Both species inhabit woodlands, but the Red-naped is often found in mountainous areas, while the Yellow-bellied frequents mixed woods and aspens. Red-naped Sapsuckers engage in courtship displays by showcasing their colored throats, while Yellow-bellied use drumming and vocalizations. Both species nest in tree cavities, but the Yellow-bellied engages in more elaborate courtship displays. In terms of diet, both feed on insects, tree sap, and fruits, but the Red-naped is more frequently seen at bird feeders for suet and fruit. The Yellow-bellied drills two types of sap holes, round and deep or shallow and square, which also attract hummingbirds. Both species partake in sap drinking rather than sucking. These traits can aid identification in the field.
Still not sure? Here are more lookalikes!
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