# Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

*Sphyrapicus varius*

They are considered a keystone species because the sap wells they drill provide a vital food source for over 35 other species, including hummingbirds and butterflies.

- **Taxonomy:** Animalia › Chordata › Aves › Piciformes › Picidae › Sphyrapicus
- **IUCN Red List status:** Least Concern
- **Population trend:** stable
- **Biome:** forest
- **Habitat:** Deciduous and mixed forests, particularly those featuring birch, aspen, and maple trees.
- **Diet:** Tree sap, inner bark (bast), insects attracted to sap, and wild fruits.
- **Range:** Canada, Eastern United States, Central America, Caribbean
- **Size:** Length: 18-22 cm; Wingspan: 34-40 cm
- **Lifespan:** 6-9 years
- **Active:** diurnal
- **Threats:** Habitat loss due to deforestation, window collisions during migration, and the use of neonicotinoid pesticides.
- **Safe to approach?:** Harmless and shy. Maintain a respectful distance of 15-20 feet to observe their unique drilling behavior without causing stress. If you find an injured bird, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator; do not attempt to keep it as a pet.

## About

The yellow-bellied sapsucker ( Sphyrapicus varius ) is a medium-sized woodpecker that breeds in Canada and the north-northeastern United States.

## Sources

- Plate: https://gaia-dex.com/species/6fd625b8-e81f-4f0c-98de-3dfe323e9a0b
- iNaturalist: https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/18463
- Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sphyrapicus varius
- Conservation status: IUCN Red List category, as recorded by Gaia-Dex
- Photo: https://inaturalist-open-data.s3.amazonaws.com/photos/294094189/medium.jpeg (scaup, CC-BY, via iNaturalist)

Habitat, diet, size and similar notes are AI-written summaries; check them against the linked sources before relying on them.