Georgia · Winter visitor

Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers in Georgia

When yellow-bellied sapsuckers are present in Georgia, when they nest, which native Georgia plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 7a–9a yard.

Woodpeckers (Picidae)Yellow-bellied SapsuckerSphyrapicus varius

Status in Georgia: Winter visitor
Nesting window: Does not typically nest here
Hardiness zones: USDA 7a–9a

When to expect yellow-bellied sapsuckers in Georgia

In Georgia, yellow-bellied sapsuckers are winter visitors rather than breeders. Mild winters bring irregular purple finch and pine-siskin irruptions from the north. While here they rely on sap and fruit on wintering grounds.

Humid subtropical, with cooler mountains in the north and a warm coastal plain in the south.

Native Georgia plants that attract yellow-bellied sapsuckers

Of the regional native plants we track for Georgia, these 8 provide food or cover yellow-bellied sapsuckers use:

Flowering dogwood

Cornus florida · Tree

High-fat fall fruit critical before migration and winter.

Serviceberry

Amelanchier arborea · Tree

Early-summer berries.

White oak

Quercus alba · Tree

Supports hundreds of caterpillar species used to feed nestlings.

Black cherry

Prunus serotina · Tree

Summer fruit and one of the top caterpillar host trees.

American elderberry

Sambucus canadensis · Shrub

Late-summer berry clusters taken by over 40 bird species.

Arrowwood viburnum

Viburnum dentatum · Shrub

Blue-black fall fruit and dense nesting cover.

Spicebush

Lindera benzoin · Shrub

Lipid-rich red fruit fuels fall migrants.

Tall goldenrod

Solidago altissima · Perennial

Insect-rich in fall and seed in winter.

Feeding yellow-bellied sapsuckers through the Georgia year

Sapsucker wells feed hummingbirds too; Ruby-throats often follow them north in spring.

Best foods: Suet.
In Georgia's winter: Mild winters bring irregular purple finch and pine-siskin irruptions from the north.

Full diet breakdown for yellow-bellied sapsuckers · Best feeder for yellow-bellied sapsuckers

Frequently asked

Are yellow-bellied sapsuckers in Georgia year-round?

No. Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers are winter visitors in Georgia and do not typically nest there.

What native plants attract yellow-bellied sapsuckers in Georgia?

Flowering dogwood, Serviceberry, White oak, Black cherry, American elderberry, Arrowwood viburnum, Spicebush, Tall goldenrod are native plants in Georgia that provide food or cover for yellow-bellied sapsuckers.

Other backyard birds in Georgia

Northern Cardinal Eastern Bluebird Carolina Chickadee Purple Martin Downy Woodpecker Hairy Woodpecker American Goldfinch Tufted Titmouse White-breasted Nuthatch House Wren Blue Jay House Finch Purple Finch Ruby-throated Hummingbird Carolina Wren Mourning Dove American Robin Dark-eyed Junco White-throated Sparrow Song Sparrow Chipping Sparrow Red-bellied Woodpecker Northern Flicker Pileated Woodpecker Red-headed Woodpecker Red-breasted Nuthatch Brown-headed Nuthatch Brown Creeper Common Grackle Red-winged Blackbird Orchard Oriole Pine Siskin Indigo Bunting Painted Bunting Eastern Towhee Gray Catbird Northern Mockingbird Brown Thrasher Cedar Waxwing Tree Swallow Barn Swallow Eastern Phoebe Chimney Swift Yellow-rumped Warbler Pine Warbler Eastern Screech-Owl Wood Thrush Great Crested Flycatcher Eastern Kingbird House Sparrow European Starling Rufous Hummingbird White-crowned Sparrow Fox Sparrow Eurasian Collared-Dove

Sources

Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.