Management Problem Gallery

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Damage
Image courtesy of Will Chaney, Noble Research Institute

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Image courtesy of James Solomon, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org

Management Problem

Name: Yellow-bellied sapsucker

Secondary Name: Sphyrapicus

Source: The Yellow-bellied sapsucker is a type of woodpecker that drills rows of sap wells into a tree. It then eats the insect attracted to the sap. It has a vertical white strip on the shoulder and Adult males show a red cap and throat with females having a red cap and white throat. Juveniles are brownish gray all over. It is known to nest in cavities.

Description: Yellow-bellied sapsuckers will generally not cause economic damage in an Orchard. However, they can cause damage to the bark of the tree that can then allow insect or disease to enter the tree. In younger trees they can drill enough sap wells around a tree or branch to girdle the tree or limb causing death of the tree.