What's that bird?

[ampersat]

I realize that these are lousy shots but they're the best I could get. This fella comes around from time to time and pecks upon my cherry tree. The undersides of his (or her) wings are a bright red color and I think there's a black band just below the throat.

So, any ideas what it is?

[WheresMyBobber]

I think the Northern Flicker is the only woodtecker that forages for insects on the ground. They also like suet!

[Paddlefish]

'Bobber:

"Woodtecker?"

Smoooooth!

[glassblower]

Paddlefish, that was a great laugh. Awsome humor you have.

[Gus Orviston]

southern flicker

[Riverkeeper]

Ah yes, the Australian subspecies

[Paddlefish]

Gus,

You mistakenly posted a photo of the Aussie variety.

[ampersat]

So, do I want to try to keep this bird around with winter food and a nest box? I think it's the same one each time although who really knows. In three years, I can't say as I've ever known it to do anything to my house (go after the flashing or gutters, try to enter the house through small holes or whatever). I kind of like having it around. Quick searches indicate that its primary food source is ants, which I have plenty of.

[Silver Hilton]

Put up a suet feeder, and he'll be your buddy.

[WheresMyBobber]

Amp - I'll send you an email tomorrow. I've enjoyed these birds in our yard for several years. :smile:

[Thumper]

Orviston --- I still can't stop laughing. My Jack Russell thinks I have gone nutso.

[nitroduk]

flicker, and they love screen doors....

[R Jackson]

Sounds/looks like a flicker, but how big is it?

[ampersat]

From the top of the head to the tip of the tail, about 6 to 8 inches.

[Paddlefish]

I'd say "flicker" for sure. Kinda one of the heavyweights of the wood****** community.

( Sorry. Got nuked above by the automated censor! (Does this put me on an FBI "known **** purveyor" list?)

:grin: OOPS! Got nuked again. Can't even refer to that word which rhymes with CORN.

Anyway, think of a bird type that rhymes with "hood wrecker."

They used to divide them between "yellow-shafted" and "red-shafted" varieties, but I think that distinction is gone.

Also, besides the red spot, watch for a white patch at the "saddle" or "lower-back-just-above-the-tail" when it flies, plus a very distinctive flight pattern: very up-and-down, rather than level.

And just wait 'til spring: they'll peck on your rain gutters, metal chimney, roof flashing, and anything else that makes noise, in order to "make a statement" to the ladies and stake out a territory.

[ 01-09-2004, 12:38 PM: Message edited by: Paddlefish ]

[Grantspastor]

At my house they've pecked through the vent screens and attempted to move indoors in my attic

[Silver Hilton]

Flicker. They can be a pest in the spring. My parents used to have me sit in the yard and try to shoot them, because they were hell on our siding. Some of the better moments of my childhood. It's an Eastern Origun thing. :smile:

[Riverkeeper]

Northern Flicker