High in the canopy, a flash of black and white catches your eye. It flits from trunk to trunk, tapping out a rhythmic drumbeat. If you look closely, you might see a flash of crimson – a sign you’ve encountered a fascinating seasonal resident, the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker.

Unlike most Costa Rican woodpeckers, the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius) is a migrant. They breed in the boreal forests of Canada and the northern United States, but come winter, they embark on a long journey south, with some reaching as far as Panama. Here in the mountains of our Costa Rican retreat, the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker is a cherished visitor, gracing us with their presence from around November to April.

While not the most common sight, spotting a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker is a true treat for birdwatchers. Here’s how to identify this unique woodpecker:

• Black and White Attire: Their body is a striking combination of black and white bars, with males sporting a bold red cap that extends down their throat. Females have a white throat patch instead.
• The Misnamed Belly: You might be surprised to learn the namesake yellow belly can be rather subtle, sometimes even appearing almost absent. It’s often best seen in good lighting conditions.
• Listen for the Drum: Keep your ears peeled for their drumming, a rapid, stuttering sound they use to communicate and attract mates. You might also hear their loud, piercing mewing calls echoing through the mountains.
• Habitat Matters: Look for them in the highlands, particularly in areas with oak, magnolia, or cypress trees. They prefer these trees as they create sap wells – shallow holes drilled into the bark to access the sweet, nutritious sap.

More Than Just Sap: Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers are industrious little birds. They create these sap wells by drilling rows of small holes around the trunk. The sap attracts insects, which the sapsucker then gleefully snatches with its long, brush-tipped tongue. Interestingly, they also share their sap wells with other birds like hummingbirds and tanagers, creating a unique little ecosystem.

A Fitting Guest in Our Mountain Paradise: The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, with its long journey and specialized feeding habits, embodies the wonders of the natural world. Here in our mountain retreat, surrounded by towering trees and vibrant ecosystems, it finds a temporary home. So, next time you’re exploring the trails, keep your eyes peeled for this special visitor. With a little patience and a keen eye, you might just be lucky enough to witness this fascinating bird in its Costa Rican haven.

For more information, please view our comprehensive guide about the birds of Costa Rica

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