South · Mississippi Flyway
Are There Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers in Tennessee?
Yes, but uncommon — Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers occur in Tennessee mainly from January to December. Sphyrapicus varius · Picidae
Is the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Found in Tennessee?
Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers do occur in Tennessee, but they are considered uncommon. Encountering one requires patience and the right habitat in winter.
Where to see them instead: the nearest states where Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers occur regularly are Kentucky (about 170 miles away), Alabama (about 220 miles away) and Georgia (about 270 miles away).
Often mistaken for Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers in Tennessee: Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker and Pileated Woodpecker — these occur regularly in Tennessee, so compare them carefully before concluding you saw a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker.
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker is a North American backyard bird.
In Tennessee, this species is classified as uncommon. It is primarily a winter visitor to Tennessee. The best months to observe this bird are January, February, March, October, November, December. Peak activity occurs in January, November, December.
Monthly Activity — Yellow-bellied Sapsucker in Tennessee
Relative frequency of observations by month. Higher bars indicate peak periods for this species.
Identification
Best Time to See Yellow-bellied Sapsucker in Tennessee
Other birds in Tennessee
Birds you might also encounter in Tennessee.
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker in other states
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker in Tennessee: Quick Facts
The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius) is an uncommon bird in Tennessee. It is classified as a winter visitor in the state, falling within the South region and the Mississippi Flyway migration corridor.
The best months to spot this species in Tennessee are January, February, March, October, November, December. For birders in Nashville and throughout Tennessee, knowing the seasonal patterns of Yellow-bellied Sapsucker can help plan birding trips and backyard feeding strategies.
Use the monthly activity chart above to plan your birding outings, and explore other bird species found in Tennessee using the related birds section.