Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers in New Hampshire
When yellow-bellied sapsuckers are present in New Hampshire, when they nest, which native New Hampshire plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 3b–6a yard.
- Status in New Hampshire
- Summer breeder
- Nesting window
- June
- Broods
- 1 per season
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3b–6a
When to expect yellow-bellied sapsuckers in New Hampshire
Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers are summer residents in New Hampshire, arriving shortly before nesting begins in June and leaving after the young are independent. Through the season they feed on sap and ants.
Humid continental, with the White Mountains dividing the southern lowlands from northern forest.
Nesting in New Hampshire
Across New Hampshire, yellow-bellied sapsuckers typically nest from June. Nest site: cavity in live aspen or birch with heart rot. Females lay 4–5 eggs, incubate for 10–13 days, and young leave the nest after 25–29 days.
Mild summers; nesting starts late May.
- Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as serviceberry, white oak, black cherry for nest sites.
- Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after June.
Native New Hampshire plants that attract yellow-bellied sapsuckers
Of the regional native plants we track for New Hampshire, these 8 provide food or cover yellow-bellied sapsuckers use:
Early-summer berries arrive exactly when nestlings are being fed.
Acorns plus hundreds of caterpillar species for nestling food.
Summer fruit and one of the top caterpillar host trees.
Late-summer berry clusters taken by over 40 bird species.
Blue-black fall fruit and dense nesting cover.
Lipid-rich red fruit fuels fall migrants.
Late nectar for insects and fall seed for sparrows.
Insect-rich in fall and seed in winter.
Feeding yellow-bellied sapsuckers through the New Hampshire year
Sapsucker wells feed hummingbirds too; Ruby-throats often follow them north in spring.
- Best foods: Suet.
- In New Hampshire's summer: offer water and insect foods; natural food is abundant.
Full diet breakdown for yellow-bellied sapsuckers · Best feeder for yellow-bellied sapsuckers
Frequently asked
Are yellow-bellied sapsuckers in New Hampshire year-round?
No. Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers are summer breeders in New Hampshire and leave for the winter.
When do yellow-bellied sapsuckers nest in New Hampshire?
Nesting in New Hampshire typically runs June, with 1 per season. Clutches are 4–5 eggs, incubated for 10–13 days.
What native plants attract yellow-bellied sapsuckers in New Hampshire?
Serviceberry, White oak, Black cherry, American elderberry, Arrowwood viburnum, Spicebush, New England aster, Tall goldenrod are native plants in New Hampshire that provide food or cover for yellow-bellied sapsuckers.
Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers in other regions
Other backyard birds in New Hampshire
Sources
- Yellow-bellied Sapsucker — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Yellow-bellied Sapsucker life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Yellow-bellied Sapsucker — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
- eBird region overview and bar charts — New Hampshire
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023)
- Audubon Native Plants Database
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.