Williamson's Sapsucker vs Red-breasted Sapsucker

In short

Williamson's Sapsucker males are strikingly black with bright red, yellow, and white, while females are cryptic brown with yellow bellies. In contrast, Red-breasted Sapsuckers are more uniformly red and black. These plumage differences are the most reliable field marks to distinguish between the two species.

Identification tips

1. Plumage: Look for the bright red throat and yellow belly in male Williamson's Sapsuckers, and the cryptic brown with yellow belly in females. Red-breasted Sapsuckers have a more uniform red head and breast. 2. Sex Differences: Note that female Williamson's Sapsuckers are cryptic brown, which can be confusing if expecting a bright plumage like the males.

Plumage

Williamson's Sapsucker males have a distinctive black plumage with bright red throat, yellow belly, and white wing patches. Females are mostly brown with a yellow belly. Red-breasted Sapsuckers are more uniformly colored with a bright red head and breast, and black back and wings.