Rare Bird Report #: 14-B-03

RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER
December 7, 2003
Mtn Home AFB (Elmore County), Idaho

REPORT by Stacy Jon Peterson from notes and photos taken during the event.

Observed about 0930 hr for period of several minutes. First seen by Laura Peterson, then Laura took video (8mm) while Stacy took digital pics. All video and most pictures were taken through our living room window (storm-panes) and so have lost some quality. Distance from us to bird: 12 paces (6' tall man; about 12 yards). Some digital pics taken outside (distance about 11 paces). Skies cloudy and overcast. Had just finished raining, and had rained much of previous evening and overnight.

A nearly identical bird was observed well in February of this year in this same yard (Rare Bird Report #: 1-B-03), but photos were not obtained and that bird was never relocated.

As the photos show, this bird had the distinct sapsucker markings -- the white vertical stripe on the sides of the wing (on the perched bird), the speckled back, and dark wings. It also had a nearly pure red head with extensive read on the chest. A white patch above the bill extending to just below the eye, and slighly mottled lower auricular area were all that really broke the red headed-appearance -- and these features are fine for the southern race (daggetti) of Red-breasted Sapsucker.

Literature used to firm up my opinion included several popular field guides and the following journal article: Speciation in Sapsuckers: Sympatry, Hybridization and Mate Preference in S. ruber daggetti and S. nuchalis" by Johnson and Johnson Auk January 1985 page 1-15.

Recognizing that this may be only the 2nd or 3rd "good" record for Idaho, I additionally solicited opinions from birders subscribed to CALBIRD listserv (where experience with this species is common), as well as a member of the Idaho Bird Records Committee (whose response will be left out of this review to avoid biasing Committee opinions). Most responses from California birders were from those backyard birders without much experience, so are likely not valuable. None suggested the bird was NOT a Red-breasted; some admitted not being certain. But a few, including those of biologist Alison Sheehey of Kern County Preserve and southern California birder Peter Ginsburg, are representative of those whose expertise and experience I believe suffecient to make such a call. Their comments have been attached to this report below the photos.

Camera: Canon PowerShot Pro90 IS (with zoom lens), original resolution 1856x1392, reduced to 640x480 pixels. All photos were "auto-balanced" using MS PictureIt! Photo 7.0, but no other electronic manipulations were done.

PHOTOS:

Subject: Help with Red-breasted Sapsucker
Date: 12/11/2003 3:55:08 PM Mountain Standard Time
From: natureal@naturali.org
TO: SJPeterson@aol.com

Dear Stacy

There is no doubt in my mind that your bird is "Sphyrapicus ruber daggetti" in pure form. The extensive white in the face and the lack of yellow on the belly eliminate the nominate "S. r. ruber" I see no characteristics of either Yellow-bellied or Red-naped that would be in a hybrid. Congratulations on such a good bird and such great documentation!

Alison Sheehey
http://natureali.org

Subject: Help with Red-breasted Sapsucker
Date: 12/11/2003 2:25:29 PM Mountain Standard Time
From: pagins@hotmail.com
TO: SJPeterson@aol.com

Stacy,

I haven't seen you in quite some time and am glad to hear you're alive and well. Although I'd not call my opinion expert or professional, I have to agree with Mary Beth that I'd not hesitate to call this bird a Red-breasted Sapsucker, probably daggetti but I'm less convinced on that. I just can't see anything that would call into question the "purity" of this bird, it looks typical of the species to me and without indication of hybridization with red- naped.

Peter