ML611369658

Observation details

While searching for the Red-breasted Sapsucker, we saw a woodpecker sized bird in flight heading towards the main cottonwood cluster. When it landed in the cottonwood branches, its white head stripes ruled out the possibility of it being a Red-breasted Sapsucker. Upon reviewing our photos, it appears to be a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker for the following reasons: 1) No red on the nape. 2) Yellowish tint on the belly in some photos. 3) Recorded a repetitive series of "Me-ah" mewing calls, characterized by a descending pitch and a slurred, nasal sound. This mewing call appears to match those of the Yellow-bellied variant. 4) The sapsucker exhibited a mottled buffy brown head, breast, and upperparts. The combination of residual brown plumage and mixed white and red throat feathers suggests a juvenile male. 5) Nothing in the plumage pattern suggests a hybrid. Lack of red nape, back pattern, throat pattern, and supercilium all point to a Yellow-bellied sapsucker. Grateful for Kenny, Tim and Mike for their willingness to assist in this identification. The sapsucker moved from tree to tree within the cottonwood cluster, later exploring neighboring tall pine trees in the adjacent neighborhood.