Verification of Unusual Sight Record
For Utah

Rec. # O_2012-07


 
Common name:

Red-naped Sapsucker x
Red-breasted Sapsucker

Scientific name: Sphyrapicus nuchalis x
Sphyrapicus ruber
Date: 10-1-12
Time: 11:45 am
Length of time observed: Observed on and off over the course of three days
Number: 1
Age:  
Sex:  
Location: 425 Neil Armstrong Rd, Salt Lake City, UT 84116
County: Salt Lake
Latilong: 40.778211,-112.009529
Elevation: 4226 ft
Distance to bird: 30 ft
Optical equipment: Binoculars, 400 mm lens on camera
Weather: Mid 80s, clear and sunny
Light Conditions: Noon light to dusk, clear and sunny
Description:        Size of bird: est 8-9 inches
(Description:)       Basic Shape: Long and slender passerine, holding to trunk of tree
(Description:)  Overall Pattern: Black, White and Red
(Description:)            Bill Type: Long thin
(Description:)                              
Field Marks and
Identifying Characteristics:
At first glance, this bird looks like a Red-naped Sapsucker. Black and white bird with wing barring, red chin, red crown and red nape. The red patch on the auriculars would indicate a male Red-Naped Sapsucker. However, upon closer inspection, you see there there is no black on the breast. Also, the red on the nape seems to be more extensive than the patch you would find in a pure Red-naped. It seems to reach down from the nape to the back. It Additionally, the red on the crown blends down in to the red on the nape, and the black ring on the crown that would be found in a pure Red-naped is very faint, and mostly covered with red.
(see photos)
Song or call & method of delivery: Bird did not give any songs or calls.
Behavior: Kept to one trunk of the tree, resting, but also drilling and drumming.
Habitat: Russian olive tree in industrial area.
Similar species and how
were they eliminated:
See previous field.
Previous experience with
this & similar species:
I have seen Red-naped sapsuckers numerous times near my home in Mueller Park and up at Silver Lake in Brighton.
References consulted: The Sibley Guide to Birds
www.paradisebirding.com/picidae/HybridSapsuckers.pdf
The National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America
Description from: From memory
Observer: Stephanie Greenwood
Observer's address: 90 W 500 S #513 Bountiful UT 84010
Observer's e-mail address: **
Other observers who independently identified this bird: Bryan Olsen
Date prepared: 10-4-12
Additional material: Photos
Additional comments: