Hi Tweeters,

Another early morning web search resulted in this tid-bit regarding
Flickers. I think the last line cinches it.
I must have seen a hybrid flicker.

Only we're not on the western edge of the Great Plains!

Lydia In Kent
lgaebe at msn.com
Lydia Gaebe
*****************************

>From PETERSON ONLINE:


Field Marks

In flight, note the conspicuous white rump. This and the barred brown back
mark the bird as a Flicker. Close up, it shows a black patch across the
chest. Flight deeply undulating. Often hops awkwardly on the ground, feeding
on ants. Two basic types are recognized: (1) "Yellow-shafted" Flicker: The
northern and eastern form. Overhead, it flashes golden yellow under the
wings and tail. Red crescent on nape; the male has a black mustache. (2)
"Red-shafted" Flicker: The widespread western form. Similar to
"Yellow-shafted," but wing and tail linings are salmon red. Both sexes lack
red crescent on nape; male has a red mustache. Where ranges overlap (western
edge of Plains) hybrids occur; these may have orange linings or a
combination of characters.


Lydia In Kent, WA
Lydia Gaebe
lgaebe at msn.com

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