probable Hybrid Red-breasted X Red-naped Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus ruber X Sphyrapicus nuchalis), Madera Canyon Kubo Cottages, Pima County

This probable hybrid Red-breasted X Red-naped Sapsucker was discovered by Melody Kehl on 21 February 2009 and photographed by Laurens Halsey and Donna Tolbert-Andersson on 23 February 2009 at the Kubo Cabins in Madera Canyon.

Separation of the southern daggetti race of the Red-breasted Sapsucker from hybrids with Red-naped Sapsucker is challenging.  Hybrids typically have black feathers on the breast, more black on the face and black feathers in the nape.  This bird is borderline between what is usually considered a hybrid and a pure Red-breasted Sapsucker.  Most experts consulted lean toward calling this a hybrid, but it is not unanimous. 

See more details on hybrid sapsuckers here. 

Hybrids are fairly regular in Arizona and may be more common than pure Red-breasted Sapsuckers, but identification issues cloud our understanding of the distribution of hybrids vs. pure birds. 

23 February 2009, photo by Donna Tolbert-Anderson

 

23 February 2009, photo by Laurens Halsey

All photos are copyrighted© by photographer

Map (note that Google Maps draws Madera Canyon Rd in the wrong place):

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