An abundant and widespread species in Canada, the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker range spans the country from Yukon to Newfoundland. Results from the Breeding Bird Survey suggest that the Canadian population increased relative to the early 1970s. Populations in the eastern portion of the range are likely higher now than in pre-settlement times due to the species' ability to occupy young forests after logging operations (Walters et al. 2002c). This species has been identified as a priority for conservation and/or stewardship in one or more Bird Conservation Region Strategies in Canada.
This species is an important primary excavator of nest cavities, which benefits many other cavity-using mammals and birds (Walters et al. 2002c). As a species that is well-adapted to cut-over forest habitat, logging operations will likely supply adequate breeding habitat over the long term. Populations are not thought to be threatened on the wintering grounds because of the species' broad use of various habitats (Walters et al. 2002c).
Environment and Climate Change Canada and partners have developed Bird Conservation Region Strategies in each of Canada’s Bird Conservation Regions (BCRs). In these strategies, selected species are identified as priorities for one or more of the following reasons:
Select any of the sub-regions below to view the BCR strategy for additional details.