Why are Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers unlikely to be found in Wisconsin during the winter months?
Answer
The cold freezes the sap flow, pushing the birds south
The reliability of a winter location depends critically on the availability of liquid sap. Wisconsin, being in the upper Midwest and a core breeding area in summer, experiences hard freezes in winter. These freezing temperatures halt the flow of sap from the trees, removing the bird's essential food source and compelling virtually all individuals to migrate farther south to regions where the climate remains mild enough for sap production to continue.
Related Questions
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