Red-breasted Sapsucker
The Red-breasted Sapsucker is a vibrant woodpecker most often associated with the coniferous forests of the Pacific coast and mountain ranges. In Idyllwild and the surrounding San Jacinto Mountains, this bird is a seasonal visitor and occasional breeder, favoring mid- to high-elevation forests of pine, oak, and cedar.
Appearance
Easily recognized by its bright crimson head and breast, this woodpecker has a black-and-white mottled back and a pale, often yellow-tinged belly. The intense red coloration is a key field mark distinguishing it from other local sapsuckers, such as the Red-naped Sapsucker.
Habitat and Behavior in Idyllwild
In Idyllwild’s mature forests, the Red-breasted Sapsucker drills neat rows of holes in tree bark—especially in willows, alders, and conifers—to harvest sap. These sap wells serve not only the bird but also attract hummingbirds and insects, making the sapsucker a keystone species in its ecological niche.
You’re most likely to see them in fall through spring, when they descend from higher elevations or move southward. In some years, a few may remain through summer if conditions are favorable for nesting.
Ecological Importance
By feeding on tree sap and insects, and by creating sap wells that benefit many other species, the Red-breasted Sapsucker plays an important role in forest food webs. However, its foraging can leave visible bark scars on favored trees.
