Hybrid Red-breasted x Red-naped Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus ruber X S. nuchalis), 'Ahakhav Tribal Preserve, La Paz County

This hybrid Red-breasted x Red-naped Sapsucker was discovered by Henry Detwiler on 22 January 2011 and photographed by Lauren Harter on 26 January 2011.

This hybrid combination is rare in Arizona but probably more regular than pure Red-breasted Sapsuckers. Apparent Red-breasted Sapsuckers should be scrutinized for characteristics of hybrids.

This individual shows much more red on the head than a typical Red-naped Sapsucker, as well as extensive red on the breast. A pure Red-breasted Sapsucker would lack the black mottling on the breast at the border between the red and yellow and would have much more red on the head.

26 January 2011, photo by Lauren Harter