Need ID on this bird

[donlfaulkner]

This looks like a yellow-bellied Sapsucker or a Red-naped Sapsucker. The range says it is probably a yellow-bellied Sapsucker. Any help would be appreciated.

Sorry the picture is not very good. The little bugger just would not pose for me, plus this is handheld at 300mm and a slower shutter speed than I wanted, shooting almost into the sun and I'm not very steady.

Hopefully I'll get another chance at him.

[David Alaniz]

Looks like the same markings of a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. Pretty Woodpecker.

[sbsbennett]

You got it. Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker

[donlfaulkner]

Thanks a bunch!

[sandboa]

Male Yellow-bellied.

Actually, Red-naped (and Yellow-bellied) Sapsuckers do wander outside of the ranges shown in the field guides. Identifying them is not always as clear cut as the field guides imply. And then to make matters worse, they hybridize.

[donlfaulkner]

Chris, that's probably why they are called "field guides" instead of "field authorities".

I waffled back and forth awhile before I asked you guys (my authority) Thanks for the help. Ya'll always come through.

[sbsbennett]

There are lots of Yellow-Bellied around this winter.