Yellow-bellied Sapsucker females - normal and unusual

The first photo, from a year ago, shows how most bird guidebooks portray a female Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, white throat and red crown. The second photo, taken three days ago shows the unusual "Black Crown" variant. I was baffled when I took her photo, so I sent it off to a couple bird experts. One, arguably the best birder in the state, is 85 years old and has been birding since he was five, said he had never seen one. He did say the current Sibley depicts it, but my older version does not. I also searched on-line and found a few other references to this plumage, but only a few. Most unusual!

That's really cool! Glad you got a shot of it.

Wow great find Al. Congrats

Beekeeper wrote in post #18339312
That's really cool! Glad you got a shot of it.

CaptBob wrote in post #18339482
Wow great find Al. Congrats

Thank you, Zach and Bob, for taking the time to comment. I'm trying to get additional photos of it before it freezes to death. We haven't been above 30 in several days and have had snow and a lot of wind. The bird is around, but is shivering uncontrollably to keep warm.

That's really cool, Al! Well captured, too.

If it does perish, you could turn in the body to a school with a study skin collection.. I'd talk to your local wildlife officer before attempting to do so, and he/she should be able to tell you where it could go, or may get someone to come get it.

Snydremark wrote in post #18340088
That's really cool, Al! Well captured, too.

Thanks, Eric. The sun is out today, more or less, so I'm going to try again if she's still around.

Beekeeper wrote in post #18340127
If it does perish, you could turn in the body to a school with a study skin collection.. I'd talk to your local wildlife officer before attempting to do so, and he/she should be able to tell you where it could go, or may get someone to come get it.

She would not go to waste, if the worst occurs. It was hard to watch her shiver, yet I know that's how our chickadees survive -40F nights. I suspect she'll be ok. Being a woodpecker, she has other food sources available other than sap.

Two beauties Al, & well spotted.

Very interesting, Al, and great captures too. I think I may have seen one of the second variety you pictured, I thought it was a juvenile at the time.

Joe52 wrote in post #18340935
Two beauties Al, & well spotted.

Wallace River wrote in post #18340954
Very interesting, Al, and great captures too. I think I may have seen one of the second variety you pictured, I thought it was a juvenile at the time.

Thanks, guys; I appreciate your commenting. It's like I have to relearn all this stuff every year. I saw the bird, knew it was a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, but then had to refresh my memory about sapsuckers by looking at Sibley. Then I realized that what I had was unusual. Juveniles don't sport the red crown, but then this isn't juvenile season, is it. I'm still trying to research the incidence of this color morph, but not much information is available.

Ah, score another one for Al in Minnesota! Well done Buddy, and a keen eye!

ardeekay wrote in post #18342422
Ah, score another one for Al in Minnesota! Well done Buddy, and a keen eye!

Thank you, my friend. I was hoping she'd be back in yesterday's sunshine, but it appears she has vacated the premises.

Methinks you will discover something new for us all to enjoy.ߘ

Always cool to spot something unusual...great shots too.
Mike

grendel64 wrote in post #18344367
Always cool to spot something unusual...great shots too.
Mike

Thank you, Mike. You've been gone a long time; welcome back.