What specific arrangement and spacing characterize the sap wells drilled by the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker?
Answer
Rows of small, perfectly round holes, usually about 1 to 2 inches apart
The most reliable sign of this species' presence is the structure of the sap wells it drills. These are not random excavations but carefully placed perforations designed to maximize sap flow while minimizing effort. The bird creates neat arrangements of holes that are small and perfectly round. Critically, these individual holes are situated in orderly rows and are typically spaced consistently about one to two inches away from each other. This distinct, precise patterning is what differentiates their work from other forms of tree damage or insect galleries.

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