This large woodpecker looks like the Yellow Shafted variety of Northern Flickers from its markings, including its bright red cap and the flash of yellow along its wings and on their undersides. This bird is also male, from the black moustache, or malar, beside its beak and beneath its eye.
.jpg "Northern Flicker, © Shelley Banks, all rights reserved.") |
| Northern Flicker in my backyard. © SB |
And yes, it's large: Northern Flickers are more than 12 inches long, with wingspans of 20 inches, says The Sibley Guide to Birds. They are also beautiful and very distinctive in flight!
What is this? A Northern Flicker
Location: Backyard, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
Photo date: October 13, 2013
Photo date: October 13, 2013
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I had two of these Northern Flickers on my back lawn this morning. They are so beautiful with the red patch on the back of their heads. Thanks for posting your picture so I could figure out what type of bird it was. I'm not a bird watcher but am seriously thinking about getting into it out here in rural Saskatchewan as there are so many gorgeous species! :)
ReplyDeleteI have one in my back yard as I type!! beaultiful!
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