immature Red-breasted Sa[sucker (Sphyrapius ruber) El Dorado County California USA

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This is an immature Red-breasted Sapsucker whose red head and breast feathers are still growing. Sapsuckers drill multiple small holes through the bark of select trees and return to the sap wells to drink the sap that collects in the holes as well as insects that are attracted to the sap. Other species of birds such as kinglets, warblers hummingbirds and nuthatches are also attracted to the sap wells. Sapsuckers defend the sap wells from these other bird species as well as from other sapsuckers.

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Size: 5400px × 8100px
Location: Taylor Creek, South Lake Tahoe El Dorado County California USA
Photo credit: © Douglas Herr / Alamy / Afripics
License: Royalty Free
Model Released: No

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