WOODPECKERS 
283 
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 many 
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. le pic a poitrine rouge. Sphyrapicus ruber. 
L, 8 *50. Plate XL A. 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. This sapsucker has heretofore been regarded as a distinct species, 
but the 1931 Check-list has reduced it in rank to a subspecies of the Yellow-bellied Sap- 
sucker under the name Sphyrapicus varius ruber, a conclusion with which the present writer 
finds it difficult to agree. The Red-breasted Sapsucker is divided into northern and 
southern races. The Northern Sphyrapicus ruber ruber, ranges from Skagway, Alaska, 
to northern California. In British Columbia mostly west of the Coast Range, but spread- 
ing 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. 
404. Cut-throated Sapsucker. Williamson’s sapsucker. le pic a gorge coupee. 
Sphyrapicus thyroideus. L, 9*50. The male is a very distinctive bird. The species is 
notable for the extraordinary sexual difference 
in coloration. Male: solid black, except white 
rump, wing-covert patch, and two sharp lines 
on face; abdomen sharply defined lemon yellow, 
and a narrow, blood-red dash on the centre of 
the throat down from bill. Female: back, 
wings, and flanks regularly and sharply barred 
with narrow lines of black and white, having an 
appearance of being wound around with black 
and white worsted; black breast and throat 
patch, and yellow abdominal patch. Head 
mostly dull white or dirty brown. The black 
breast patch may be absent, and there may be 
indications of the red dash on the throat. 
Figure 393 
Williamson’s Sapsucker; scale, 
Female Male 
Distinctions. Unmistakable for any other species. The solidly black back, with 
contrasting white rump of the male, and the regular barring of the back of the female, are 
distinctive. 
Field Marks. The general blackness of the male, with conspicuous white wing patch 
and rump, and the barred back and white rump of the female make good field marks. 
The female is strongly suggestive of a Flicker, especially in flight, when the w'hite rump 
show T s. 
Nesting. In holes excavated in trees and stubs. 
Distribution. The western mountain forests of North America, from southern British 
Columbia to New* Mexico. Range very local and restricted in Canada. Recorded only 
from some of the higher tamarack forests near the southern boundary, from Okanagan 
Valley to the Alberta line. 
Rare in Canada, and so confined to the wilder elevations as to have 
little economic influence. 
