Yellow-bellied Sapsucker vs Red-breasted Sapsucker

In short

The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker and Red-breasted Sapsucker can be distinguished by their head and throat coloration. The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker has a red forehead and crown with a white throat, while the Red-breasted Sapsucker has an entirely red head and throat. Both species are similar in size and structure, making plumage the most reliable field mark.

Identification tips

1. Look for the red head and throat in the Red-breasted Sapsucker versus the red crown and white throat in the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. 2. Check for the black chest band in the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. 3. Consider geographic location: east of the Rockies for Yellow-bellied, Pacific Coast for Red-breasted.

Size

Both species are similar in size, typical of medium-sized woodpeckers.

Plumage

The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker has a red forehead and crown with a white throat, and a black chest band separating the throat from the yellowish belly. The Red-breasted Sapsucker has an entirely red head and throat, lacking the distinct black chest band.

Behaviour

Both species exhibit similar behaviors, such as drilling sap wells and feeding on tree sap and insects.

Habitat

The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker breeds east of the Rocky Mountains, while the Red-breasted Sapsucker is found along the Pacific Coast.

Voice

Vocalizations are similar between the two species, with both producing a variety of calls and drumming patterns.