Red-breasted Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus ruber), Agua Caliente Park, Pima County

This Red-breasted Sapsucker was photographed by Peter Collins on 15 October 2009, although it had been seen earlier by other unknown birders. 

The status of Red-breasted Sapsucker in the state is unclear because many sapsuckers with extensive red on their heads are hybrids with Red-naped Sapsucker. Careful documentation is necessary to eliminate these hybrids.

On this bird note the extensive red on the head and breast, relatively short white facial stripe, lack of black on the breast between the red and the yellow and the double row of small golden spots on the back. The back and face pattern suggest this bird could be of the nominate race (S. r. ruber).

The classic reference on identification of hybrid sapsuckers is here.

15 October 2009, photo by Peter Collins

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