Verification of Unusual
Sight Record
For Utah
Rec. # 2025-09a
| Common name: |
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker |
| Scientific name: | Sphyrapicus varius |
| Date: | 1/29/2025 |
| Time: | 10:30 |
| Length of time observed: | Two Weeks |
| Number: | 1 |
| Age: | Juvenille |
| Sex: | Female |
| Location: | 3022 Woodwillow Circle |
| County: | Salt Lake |
| Latilong: | |
| Elevation: | 4,615 ft |
| Distance to bird: | ~30 ft |
| Optical equipment: | Binoculars |
| Weather: | Cloudy Skies |
| Light Conditions: | Low light |
| Description: Size of bird: | Robin Sized |
| (Description:) Basic Shape: | Woodpecker Shaped |
| (Description:) Overall Pattern: | black and white stripes on its back and wings, a pale yellowish belly, a red patch on the back of its head |
| (Description:) Bill Type: | chisel-like bill that is sharp and straight |
|
(Description:)
Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics: |
(see photos) |
| Song or call & method of delivery: | Sapsucker tapping |
| Behavior: | Seen late morning, would spend 5-10 minutes in a few different trees creating sap wells. |
| Habitat: | Urban habitat, backyard, a mix of |
| Similar
species and
how were they eliminated: |
Red-naped sapsucker. This species had more scattered red in the crown. Messier more scattered plumage along the back |
| Previous
experience with this & similar species: |
No previous experience |
| References consulted: | |
| Description from: |
Notes made later From photo(s) taken at the time of the sighting |
| Observer: | Oliver Jones |
| Observer's address: | 3022 Woodwillow Circle |
| Observer's e-mail address: | ** |
| Other observers who independently identified this bird: |
Michael Jones, Kristin Purdy, Felicia Alverez, Lauri Taylor, Matt Hoecherl, John Middleton, McKay Olson |
| Date prepared: | 3/20/2025 |
| Additional material: | |
| Additional comments: |