Connections with Red-breasted Sapsuckers 2 from Bob Armstrong on Vimeo.

  • This video shows just a few of the many benefits that Red-breasted Sapsuckers have for other creatures in Alaska.
  • Sapsuckers typically drill holes in the bark of trees. Sugary sap wells up in these holes and the sapsuckers lap it up with their brushy tongues.
  • This video shows Rufous Hummingbirds, Yellow-rumped Warblers, many insects, and Red Squirrels taking advantage of the sap.
  • You will also see some interaction between the parent sapsucker and one of its young. I think it is telling it to go drill your own holes.
  • To learn more about these connections open up Natural Connections in Alaska and go to page 50-51.