Sighting Record for Utah

Common name:	Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Scientific name:	Sphyrapicus varius
Date:	12/21/2024
Time:	2:30 PM
Length of time observed:	2 minutes
Number:	1
Age:	Male
Sex:	Juvenile/hatch-year
Location:	Virgin
County:	Washington
Latilong:	37.201167, -113.185956
Elevation:
Distance to bird:	~60-ft
Optical equipment:	8x42 binoculars / 500 mm lens
Weather:	Thin clouds, calm, temp in 50s
Light Conditions:	Fairly dim, partially backlit
Description: Size of bird:
(Description:) Basic Shape:	Woodpecker
(Description:) Overall Pattern:	Black/white/buffy
(Description:) Bill Type:	Chisel-like
(Description:) Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics:	Observed during the Silver Reef CBC. This bird was first spotted by my dad near the top of a large pecan tree. I wasn't able to get a visual until it flew directly overhead, where I could tell it was a sapsucker but couldn't make out much other detail. It disappeared into another deciduous tree down the road, where I was able to re-find it after a couple of minutes. It worked the trunk of this tree for maybe 2-3 minutes while I got semi-decent but partially obstructed views and photos before it flew. Here are my initial notes copied from my eBird checklist: "Juvenile, messy/buffy back pattern lacked two distinct rows, head pattern not as bold/contrasting as adult, no red on nape, no visible red on crown, a tiny bit of red in throat indicates a young male." While not what I was focused on in the field, the photos also show a black and white upper-tail pattern, white patches on the side of a folded wing, and dark/mottled under-parts (visible from a side view). eBird checklist included below: https://ebird.org/checklist/S206271699 Note that the photos I uploaded to that checklist are darker than I hoped despite already brightening and lightening the shadows of the RAW images. I will probably work on brightening those further and will send Milt different versions, but regardless, I believe there is enough detail visible for the ID. (see photos)
Song or call & method of delivery:	None
Behavior:	Drumming in mid-to-upper portion of trees, and flying.
Habitat:	Older residential area with lots of mature pecans and mix of other deciduous and conifer trees. Virgin River/riparian area also nearby.
Similar species and how were they eliminated:	Red-naped Sapsucker: Fairly easy to eliminate due to extent of retained juvenile plumage. At this date, RNSA of any age should show a more boldly contrasting (less buffy) black and white head pattern, significant red in crown, and a male would show more red in throat than the individual we observed. RNSA would also likely show some red in the nape, and a less "messy" back pattern with two distinct white rows. Red-naped x Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (hybrid): Eliminating this can be more challenging, but the stage of molt would likely be more advanced at this date for a young hybrid, including more red in the crown, more red in the throat on a male, and likely at least a hint of red on the nape. The apparent lack of red in the crown and very small bit of red in the throat of the individual we observed likely rules out a hybrid.
Previous experience with this & similar species:	I believe this is my third definitive YBSA in Utah. I also have experience with this species from northern Wisconsin several years ago. Red-naped Sapsucker: Extensive experience, as this species is common/expected in Washington County, particularly during winter. Less experience with hybrids, although I have suspected hybridization on a few individuals. While I don't pretend to be an expert, I have studied RNSA x YBSA hybridization while serving on the UBRC and reviewed many photos on the Macaulay library.
References consulted:	While I was confident with my ID in the field, I later studied photos on the Macaulay Library and other records that have been accepted by the UBRC.
Description from:	Notes taken at the time of the sighting From photo(s) taken at the time of the sighting
Observer:	Mike Schijf
Observer's address:	Ivins, UT
Observer's e-mail address:	**
Other observers who independently identified this bird:	John Schijf
Date prepared:	12/31/2024
Additional material:	Photos
Additional comments:	There is almost always something cool to be found in this neighborhood. For example, during last year's CBC we found an adult YBSA in this same spot, several years ago we had an adult Red-shouldered Hawk, and the previous couple of years there was a White-throated Sparrow, all in this same general area (not to mention a few other somewhat unexpected finds).