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The Yellow-Bellied Sap Sucker is the only bird in the Woodpecker Family that attacks specifically living trees, to get it’s food. The birds are known for attacking a large variety of tree species. In the urban landscape, many thin-barked trees are preferred and targeted, including Birch, Amur Cherry, Mountain Ash, and Scot’s Pine.
This bird is identifiable by it’s black crescent shape on it’s breast, pale yellow belly, white wing stripe and red crown on its head. Although this bird does eat insects, it is better known for the tree damage that is evident, from it’s feeding. They will drill (peck) into the bark, to sap-level, and cause damage by creating rows of tightly lined holes, often in a grid pattern. Once they tap into the sapwood, they will use their long tongues to drink the tree fluid that oozes out. If a tree has been visited by the Sap Sucker lightly, often the tree can make a full recovery. However, when many rows of holes are around the branch or trunk, the tissue of this area of the tree may “girdle”, causing the restriction of the flow of nutrients and fluids. Parts of the tree or the entire tree may decline or die.
The likelihood of a Yellow-Bellied Sap Sucker to visit your tree, is anyone’s guess. As with all birds, they may pick your tree, as a nice one to visit. However, as a deterrent, noisemakers in the tree or near the area, may be effective. Hanging shiny or reflective items that move, may also work. Lightly wrapping burlap or canvas around the visited area, is commonly recommended to discourage the bird’s return. Keep in mind, that the Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker is protected under the “Migratory Birds Convention Act”. So, the bird may not be captured, injured or it’s eggs damaged or destroyed.
As always, it is recommended to maintain your tree’s health, as well as possible, and reduce other stress factors. Your Edmonton Arborists can help to identify the visible damage as seen on the tree, and discuss with you any pruning or maintenance that your landscape trees may benefit from.