The rear end is enclosed in a muscular sheath by means of which it can be pushed out of the mouth to extend twice the length of the head. It is a handy instrument for dislodging grubs and ants from their burrows in wood or bark. In the majority of species the tip of the tongue has a hard point with barbs on the sides, making it a useful tool for capturing insects. The tongue of the yellow-bellied sapsucker, a species of woodpecker, is different. The tongue is not as long and the end is brush-like, and is used to sweep sap into its mouth.
Sapsuckers are the most migratory of all the woodpeckers.
They are not known to nest at Woodland Dunes, but are often present during migration. They may nest in more northern parts of the county. Although the belly is not especially yellow, it has a tinge of the color. The males can be identified by the bright red crown and throat patch, underlined by a black crescent. Females have a red crown but no throat patches.