Red-naped Sapsucker

Sapsuckers do not suck sap, but are specialized for sipping it. Their tongues are shorter than those of other woodpeckers, and do not extend as far out. The tip of the tongue has small hair-like projections on it that help pick up the sap, much like a paintbrush holds paint. Sap wells made by sapsuckers attract other sap feeders, especially hummingbirds. This red-naped sapsucker was making sap wells in a juniper trunk near refuge headquarters.