Williamson's Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus thyroideus ), McCormick Park, Tucson, AZ, Pima County

This Williamson's Sapsucker was discovered by Mark Stevenson in McCormick Park in Tucson on 10 December 2008 and was photographed by Robert Payne on 15 December 2008 and Richard Fray on 13 December 2008.

Williamson's Sapsucker is a rare, but probably regular, transient and winter visitor to the mountains of Southeastern Arizona.  It is much rarer in lowlands.

Male Williamson's Sapsucker is one of the most striking North American woodpeckers and is unmistakable.  Females are so different in appearance, that they were classified as a separate species when first discovered.   

13 December 2008, photo by Richard Fray

15 December 2008, photos by Robert Payne

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