230 
Distribution. Northern North America, except Yukon, Alaska, and west of the 
Coast range, from tree limits southward. 
SUBSPECIES. The Eastern Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Sphyrapicus varius varius 
inhabits the wooded sections of the Dominion, west to the Rocky mountains, and into nor- 
thern British Columbia. The Red-naped Sapsucker Sphyrapicus varius nuchalis occupies 
British Columbia, except in the north, and on the coast, south to New Mexico, overlapping 
the range of varius in western Alberta. It differs from varius principally in having a red 
bar across the nape, separated from the red crown by a black line. The female has a red 
throat, which the female of varius never has. 
Economic Status. This is the only Canadian genus of the family that 
seems to be harmful. The damage is done in quest of sap, by girdling the 
trunks and branches of orchard and other smooth-bark trees with rows of 
small squarish pits, regularly spaced in horizontal lines penetrating both 
outer and inner barks to the sap-wood beneath. Several trees may be so 
tapped and visited in turn as the sap exudes. Though it is primarily the 
sap which is sought, the insects attracted are also eaten, for though sap is 
a large item in the Sapsucker's diet, insect food is also necessary. 
Although the damage to trees so girdled is not nearly so great as 
might be expected, they are sometimes permanently injured and even 
killed. All are weakened and a lodgment prepared for fungoid growth 
and insects. Unless severely and repeatedly attacked, however, most 
trees survive and completely recover. Even forest growth suffers damage; 
timber trees are attacked and the consequent burr growths and wood 
stains in the manufactured lumber, marking the old, healed wounds made 
by the Sapsucker, reduce the marketable value of the lumber products. 
The whole question of the damage done by Sapsuckers has been exhaust- 
ively discussed in a United States Biological Survey Bulletin, No. 39, 
“Woodpeckers in Relation to Trees and Wood Products,” by W. L. McAtee. 
Under the heading of defensive measures against Sapsuckers the author 
advises a limited use of the gun or the use of poison where the species is 
doing appreciable harm. If the gun is used care should be taken that only 
Sapsuckers are killed and it must be remembered that with poison, other 
small birds, especially Hummingbirds, Warblers, and other species that are 
often attracted in great numbers to the sweet, oozing sap, are likely to 
suffer also. 
403. Red-breasted Sapsucker (Including Northern Red-breasted Sapsucker). 
Sphyrapicus ruber. L, 8-50. Plate XXXV B. In general, similar to the Yellow-bellied 
Sapsucker, but with less fine white markings on back and wings, and with a bright crimson 
head, neck, and breast. Sexes alike. Juveniles similar to those of the Yellow-bellied, but 
darker and usually with suggestive suffusions of red on head and breast. 
Distinctions. To be confused only with the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, but confined 
to the vicinity of the west coast. Easily differentiated by extensive red head, neck, and 
breast, suggested even in juvenile birds. 
Field Marks. Extensive red head, neck, and breast. The indefinite black and white 
coloration with broad white bar on forward part of closed wings will separate from all 
species but the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. 
Nesting. In holes excavated in dead or living trees or stubs. 
Distribution. Western North America, mainly west of Coast and Cascade ranges. 
SUBSPECIES. The Red-breasted Sapsucker is divided into northern and southern 
races. The Northern, Sphyrapicus ruber notkensis , ranges from Skagway, Alaska, to 
northern California. In British Columbia, mostly west of the Coast range, but spreading 
into the interior near the northern extremity of its range. 
The Red-breasted Sapsucker does not differ materially in habits or 
economical effect from the Yellow-bellied. 
