Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus)
In my humble opinion, I think this is one of the snazziest woodpeckers (and maybe even of all the birds) that we have here in the United States. With it's suffuse tans, soft greys, a bold black patch on the chest, white rump, spotting on front, barring on back, the wishbone shaped brilliant red nuchal patch on the back of the head, and of course (at least in the east) the brilliant golden yellow underwings - it's no woner that this gorgeous bird was the "spark bird" for Roger Tory Peterson and countless other birders.
In my humble opinion, I think this is one of the snazziest woodpeckers (and maybe even of all the birds) that we have here in the United States. With it's suffuse tans, soft greys, a bold black patch on the chest, white rump, spotting on front, barring on back, the wishbone shaped brilliant red nuchal patch on the back of the head, and of course (at least in the east) the brilliant golden yellow underwings - it's no woner that this gorgeous bird was the "spark bird" for Roger Tory Peterson and countless other birders.
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11 comments:
Beautiful shots of the Flicker, Christopher! I was really hoping to see NOFL's while we were in Colorado, but unfortunately came away from there with only one brief woodpecker glimpse of what I'm pretty sure was a Downy. So I still have this one on my "Really Want to See" list!
Great series of shots, Chris, showing the color nuances of the flicker as you have mentioned.
Nice job--
Flickers, I think, are among our more underrated birds, at least by active birders, for whom they tend to just kind of blur into the background.
But get a really good look at one, as you've provided us here, and they really grab you.
One of these days I want to get to Cuba and see Fernandina's Flicker--it looks really cool, though not necessarily any more so than our North American species.
snazzy - yes - red-bellied will also get a vote from me - good photos1
Great shots of a real snazzy bird.
I had no idea that they had that shape of red at the back of thier head..I just thought it was red..didnt know it was shape..Your photo captured it perfectly..
thanks for all the views.
Nice shot of the flicker- i have a pair at my feeders (usually fall/winter) and they are indeed snazzy
It is indeed a very beautiful bird. I haven't seen it in my life, being in India I believe.
TV Tower on Sinhagad - Going Inside Clouds
They are one of my favs, too, Christopher. I particularly like the 3rd photo - the bird seems to have an inquisitive look on its face. Anthropomorphizing, I know, but a truly fun photo.
Great shots. I haven't seen one in years. Your shots really let oyou see all his glorious details.
Amazing detail of a truly gorgeous bird. Thanks for posting all the different angled shots Chris.
We are lucky enough to have the red-shafted subspecies here in the West that we enjoy year round. I agree, a highly under-rated bird.
I didnt know such a woodpecker existed, wow! I love the fierce moustache!
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