GAP Analysis Predicted Distribution Map

Williamson's Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus thyroideus)

Species Code: SPHTH

Legend:
= Core Habitat
= Marginal Habitat

Breeding Range Map
The green area shows the predicted habitats for breeding only. The habitats were identified using 1991 satellite imagery, Breeding Bird Atlas (BBA), other datasets and experts throughout the state, as part of the Washington Gap Analysis Project. Habitats used during non-breeding months and migratory rest-stops were not mapped.

Metadata (Data about data or how the map was made)

Click to enlarge distribution map

Compare range maps with other woodpeckers

Map with Breeding Bird Atlas records

Other maps & Information:

Breeding Bird Atlas
NatureMapping observations
during breeding season
NatureMapping observations
throughout the year

This species was uncommon in low- to moderate-elevation, mid- to late-seral pine and Douglas-fir forests of the east Cascades, Okanogan and Methow valleys, and the western Blue Mountains. However, they were common in the eastern Blue Mountains at all elevation, and in the Okanogan Highlands.

The core areas of use were Ponderosa Pine, Interior Douglas-fir, and Grand Fir. Peripheral areas of use were in the Sub-alpine Fir zone, except in the Blue Mountains, where this zone was core. Good habitats were conifer-lined rivers and conifer forests, except those explicitly labeled as early seral.

Washington breeders represent the nominate western subspecies S. r. thyroideus. Despite the preponderance of data for this species from the eastern Cascades and eastern Okanogan valley, they are actually more common in the Okanogan Highlands region and the eastern Blue Mountains. It is rarer in the western Blue Mountains (where rainfall is higher and forests are more closed), than in the eastern Blues. The first reported sight record for this species was in northeastern Washington in Ferry County. Apparently Western Larch must be a component of forests that support Williamson's Sapsucker.

Translated from the Washington Gap Analysis Bird Volume by Uchenna Bright
Text edited by Gussie Litwer
Webpage designed by Dave Lester