Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius), Boyce Thompson Arboretum, Pinal County

This Yellow-bellied Sapsucker was photographed by Charles Babbitt on 23 November 2011

Rare but regular fall and winter visitor

Timing of molt is important in identifying juvenile sapsuckers. Most juvenile Red-naped Sapsuckers complete molt before migration, particularly acquiring the adult head pattern and red nape very early, although they may retain juvenile breast feathers into the fall. Juvenile Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers take much longer to molt and may not complete molt until early winter. Therefore any mostly juvenile plumaged (particularly brownish headed) sapsuckers this time of year should be Yellow-bellied.

In addition, juvenile Red-naped Sapsuckers have a more uniform, dark crown and acquire the red crown in a molt from front to back. Juvenile Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers have a more mottled crown and acquire the red randomly across the entire crown. Therefore, the brown, yellowish, and red mottled crown shown in the photographs also is characteristic of Yellow-bellied.

23 November 2011, photo by Charles Babbitt

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