Williamson's Sapsucker
Sphyrapicus thyroideus
The Williamson's Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus thyroideus) is a uncommon woodpecker found in 3 countries, weighing about 48 g. Williamson's sapsucker is a medium-sized woodpecker belonging to the genus Sphyrapicus (sapsuckers).
About the Williamson's Sapsucker
Williamson's sapsucker is a medium-sized woodpecker belonging to the genus Sphyrapicus (sapsuckers).
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
Adult males are iridescent black on their head, back, sides and tail. They have a white stripe behind the eye and a lower white stripe across each side of the head, a red chin and a bright yellow belly. They have black wings with large white patches. The female is completely different in appearance: mainly black, with a pale yellow breast, a brownish head with black streaking and fine barring on the back, breast and sides. Originally, the female was considered to be a different species and named the black-breasted woodpecker by Cassin. Measurements: Length: 8.3–9.8 in (21–25 cm) Weight: 1.
Where it lives
When to see it
Best months: January, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, with peak activity in June. It is a summer visitor species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Williamson's Sapsucker?
- Adult males are iridescent black on their head, back, sides and tail. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Williamson's Sapsucker?
- The Williamson's Sapsucker is a small sized bird weighing about 48 g.
- Where can you see a Williamson's Sapsucker?
- The Williamson's Sapsucker occurs in 3 countries, including the United States, Canada and Mexico.
- What birds look similar to a Williamson's Sapsucker?
- The Williamson's Sapsucker is most easily confused with the Red-naped Sapsucker, the Red-breasted Sapsucker and the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker.
- Is the Williamson's Sapsucker endangered?
- The Williamson's Sapsucker is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Williamson's Sapsucker for real
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