Tennessee · Winter visitor

Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers in Tennessee

When yellow-bellied sapsuckers are present in Tennessee, when they nest, which native Tennessee plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 6a–8a yard.

Woodpeckers (Picidae)Yellow-bellied SapsuckerSphyrapicus varius

Status in Tennessee: Winter visitor
Nesting window: Does not typically nest here
Hardiness zones: USDA 6a–8a

When to expect yellow-bellied sapsuckers in Tennessee

In Tennessee, yellow-bellied sapsuckers are winter visitors rather than breeders. Moderate winters; high elevations in the Smokies hold northern species year-round. While here they rely on sap and fruit on wintering grounds.

Humid subtropical, from the Great Smoky Mountains to the Mississippi River floodplain.

Native Tennessee plants that attract yellow-bellied sapsuckers

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

Flowering dogwood

Cornus florida · Tree

Fat-rich red fall fruit taken by thrushes, bluebirds and woodpeckers.

Serviceberry

Amelanchier arborea · Tree

Early-summer berries arrive exactly when nestlings are being fed.

White oak

Quercus alba · Tree

Acorns plus hundreds of caterpillar species for nestling food.

Bur oak

Quercus macrocarpa · Tree

Drought-hardy prairie oak with large acorns and a heavy insect load.

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.

Feeding yellow-bellied sapsuckers through the Tennessee year

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

Best foods: Suet.
In Tennessee's winter: Moderate winters; high elevations in the Smokies hold northern species year-round.

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

Frequently asked

Are yellow-bellied sapsuckers in Tennessee year-round?

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

What native plants attract yellow-bellied sapsuckers in Tennessee?

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

Other backyard birds in Tennessee

Northern Cardinal Eastern Bluebird Carolina Chickadee Purple Martin Downy Woodpecker Hairy Woodpecker American Goldfinch Tufted Titmouse White-breasted Nuthatch 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 Baltimore Oriole Orchard Oriole Rose-breasted Grosbeak Pine Siskin Indigo 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 American Tree Sparrow House Sparrow European Starling 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.