Williamson's sapsucker is a medium-sized woodpecker belonging to the genus Sphyrapicus (sapsuckers).
Region
Western North America
Typical Environment
Breeds in montane forests from southern British Columbia through the Cascades, Sierra Nevada, and Rocky Mountains south into the highlands of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Prefers mature conifer stands (ponderosa pine, Douglas-fir, larch) interspersed with aspen groves for nesting. In winter it descends to lower elevations into pine-oak and pinyon–juniper woodlands and adjacent foothills. Occupies forest edges, open stands with snags, and post-fire landscapes with suitable cavity sites.
Altitude Range
1200–3000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Williamson's sapsucker shows striking sexual dimorphism: males are mostly black with a red throat and yellow belly, while females are brown and heavily barred. Unlike many sapsuckers, it often taps conifers such as ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir, creating sap wells that also feed hummingbirds and insects. It nests frequently in aspen, even when foraging on nearby conifers. Its presence indicates healthy montane forests with mature trees and snags.
Male with sap wells
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
undulating with short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Pairs form in spring and defend sap-rich territories. Both sexes excavate a cavity, often in live aspen or softened conifer snags, and share incubation and chick-rearing. Typically raises one brood per season, with fledglings remaining near the nest area for a short period.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations include nasal, mewing calls and harsh chatter notes. Drumming is a rapid, evenly spaced burst used in territorial and courtship displays.
Plumage
Male glossy black with bold white wing patches, white patches on the sides of the face, a red throat, and a yellow belly; female brown and heavily barred with a contrasting white rump and a dark breast patch.
Diet
Feeds on tree sap and the insects attracted to it, especially ants, wasps, and beetles. Also gleans insects from bark and occasionally hawks flying insects. In late summer and fall, supplements diet with berries and other soft fruits.
Preferred Environment
Forages on trunks and large branches of conifers where it maintains rows of sap wells. In winter, often feeds on the ground for ants and at lower-elevation woodlands. Frequently returns to productive wells repeatedly throughout the day.
