Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
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Cavity Nester ⌀ 1.5" Medium

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

Medium woodpecker named for the messy yellow wash on its belly and the neat horizontal rows of sap-wells it drills into trees. The only highly migratory woodpecker in eastern North America.

IUCN Red List
Least Concern

Widespread and abundant; no known immediate threats to the population.

Floor
5" × 5"
Interior height
12"
Entrance hole
⌀ 1.5"
Mount height
10–20 ft
Breeds
May–Jul
Broods / yr
1
Cool Facts

Things you didn't know about the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

01

Drills tidy horizontal rows of shallow 'sap wells' in tree bark, then returns to feed on the running sap and the insects it attracts.

02

The only North American woodpecker that's a true long-distance migrant, most overwinter in the southern US, Mexico, and Central America.

03

Their sap wells are an important food source for over 35 other species, including hummingbirds, warblers, and squirrels.

04

Drums a distinctive Morse-code-like irregular rhythm, totally unlike the steady drumming of other woodpeckers.

Range & Habitat

Where you'll find them

Breeds across boreal Canada and the Appalachians; winters across the southeastern US, Mexico, and Central America.

By region
  • Boreal & Northeast

    Breeds from Alaska east across Canada to Newfoundland, south into the Appalachians and northern New England.

  • Wintering grounds

    Winters across the southeastern US, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America south to Panama.

mixed forests aspen groves young hardwoods
10-year local observation heatmap. Click a season above to isolate one band.
Fledgemade Kit

The right house for the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Size M

Medium body + 1½" panel

Body sized to 5"×5" floor. The 1½" panel locks out larger nest competitors while letting the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker pass cleanly.

Multi-color presets
Color
Entrance hole size
$49
Customize colors - +$5
Seasonal Care

When to install. When to clean.

Install by
By mid-April
Cleaning
Once a year, October
Boreal & Appalachian
Breeds across boreal Canada and the Appalachians; install by mid-April.

Migrates south to overwinter in the southern US and Central America.