Description
    Birdpeck is caused by the yellow-breasted sapsucker, Sphyrapicus varius. Damage to black walnut normally occurs during late winter or early spring when sap is flowing on warm days. The sapsucker feeds directly on the sap and not on insects. It may drill test holes into several different trees. Once a favorite tree is found, the bird usually returns to that tree often until it may be nearly girdled with peck holes.

Injury
    Holes made by the sapsucker normally heal over quickly but they cause defects and stain in the wood, reducing the value and quality of products made from it.

Control
    No control measures are known at this time.