Ambient temperature may influence selection of foraging sites by organisms that use sap as a primary food source. I examined the spatial orientation of sap wells excavated by Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers (Sphyrapicus varius) on pine trees (Pinus spp.; n = 43) in eastern Kansas. Sap wells were oriented toward the southwest (ā = 246.04°, s = 65.46°, P = 0.004), unlike in previous studies. Benefits of southwesterly sap well orientation may include avoidance of high winds while foraging and increased flow of sap on the sides of trees warmed by afternoon light.
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1 March 2011
Orientation of Sap Wells Excavated by Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers
Ashley M. Long
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