Sighting Record for Utah

Common name:	Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Scientific name:	Sphyrapicus varius
Date:	12-27-2020
Time:	10:00am
Length of time observed:	3-4 minutes
Number:	1
Age:	juvenile
Sex:
Location:	Torrey, Utah, town at corner of 200 North and 200 East
County:	Wayne
Latilong:
Elevation:	6,800
Distance to bird:	15-20 feet
Optical equipment:	8x42 binoculars, DSLR camera
Weather:	28 degrees, slight but steady wind, 100% cloud cover
Light Conditions:
Description: Size of bird:	sapsucker
(Description:) Basic Shape:	sapsucker
(Description:) Overall Pattern:	black and white
(Description:) Bill Type:	long and thin
(Description:) Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics:	obvious sapsucker flew in to a tree just 15 feet from where I was standing. Tree was maybe 10-12 feet tall, sapsucker flew in at 2/3 of the way up the tree. It then moved up to the top of the tree, probing at branches as it moved up. Settled at the top of the tree, where it stayed for about 3 minutes. Vertical white wing stripe gave it away as a sapsucker immediately. The back was barred black and white. The head wasn't dark black, but a bit brownish, suggesting juvenile. The crown was speckled with gold/brown, with a hint of red coming in throughout the forecrown. The red stopped at the top of the crown, with no red apparent at the back of the head. White underchin. White moustache, and white line from eye to back of head. The belly had a hint of yellow, or light dirty brown, but was otherwise unmarked. The chest was mottled/barred black and white (not solid black). Faded black barring down the sides of the bird, that stretched out to its legs. Undertail looked white. Dark eye. Dark bill. No vocalizations. (see photos)
Song or call & method of delivery:	[No vocalizations.]
Behavior:	flew into tree, fed by probing at branches as it moved up to the top branch (a pretty thin branch). Stayed at top of tree probing for 2-3 minutes before flying away.
Habitat:	Small town, scattered planted trees whose leaves had all fallen off for the winter.
Similar species and how were they eliminated:	I initially thought Red-naped Sapsucker, because I have seen those birds in this area during summer visits. But once I got home, I did a little research and Red-naped Sapsuckers don't stay all year. I then compared Red-naped and Yellow-bellied: the key to my ID was that yellow-bellieds keep their juvenile plumage longer into winter. By December, all Red-napeds should have adult plumage. Since this bird did not, that's why I chose Yellow-bellied for the ID.
Previous experience with this & similar species:	Some familiarity with Red-naped from California and Utah, I only see Yellow-bellied on rare visits to eastern U.S.
References consulted:	Sibley guide, Allaboutbirds.org
Description from:	From memory From photo(s) taken at the time of the sighting
Observer:	Kevin Lapp
Observer's address:	12208 Havelock Ave
Observer's e-mail address:	**
Other observers who independently identified this bird:
Date prepared:	12/27/2020
Additional material:	Photos
Additional comments: