Jen,
I think you are right on to be "torn" on how to classify the bird: (1)
You've heard from experienced bird people with differing opinions. (2)
Available references differ on how they illustrate the species (e.g., my
old Sibley shows much more inclusion of dark feathers in the head and nape
than NGS; in fact the illustration in my old Sibley looks very close to
your bird), and they don't address the variation in plumage among species.
(3) You have a difference of opinion with the eBird reviewer for the area.
It's uncomfortable, but that's okay; that's how it feels at the threshold
of learning some good things (which I'm sure you know)! Regarding the eBird
reviewer (I'm the reviewer for Douglas County), I would recommend just
asking if they could provide some references or train of thought to help
you see their point of view, or just let them do what they want and keep
researching. You might also inquire as to why over 50% of other
Red-breasted Sapsucker photos in eBird in the PNW in winter have similar or
greater suggestions of hybrid origin and ask if there is a standard or
threshold on how eBird treats signs of hybridization for classification
(haha, okay, I'm being a stinker, ... it's clearly something the eBird team
needs to address, but some grassroots nudging might help).
Really interesting to see your additional photos from 2014. Yes, these show
more pale mustache line, which I personally count as weightier evidence of
hybridization (albeit minimal) than the darkish inclusions in the hood of
your Wasco bird.
Yesterday I saw a Red-breasted Sapsucker land on a tree outside our home,
so I scrutinized it closely and took a few poor photos (distant with light
background). The bird had some dark in the areas that your Wasco bird had,
but duller, not as well defined. What I did notice, however, is that the
position of the bird's head changed how the nape looked. With the head
level and setting down more squat on the "shoulders" the dark on the back
of the neck was not as obvious, whereas if the neck was more extended, or
the head tipped forward, the dark on the nape appeared more extended upward
and more visible. Just something to consider when viewing sapsuckers.
I wouldn't recommend a big rush in your inquiry. Take your time and see if
you can get ahold of people who have studied and classified sapsuckers.
Don't be satisfied just with "opinions." Find out if there is an
authoritative standard of how much inclusion of dark or light in the red
hood (side of head and up from mantle, as in your bird) is within range of
variation for RB Sap (there may or may not be). Steve Shunk's article I
linked to has a rating system for YB and RN saps, but I don't think he had
as much detail for RB Sap. Anyway, I hope you'll go for it, and please let
us know what you find out.
Matt Hunter
Melrose, OR
West-central Douglas Co.
Just north of daggetti
