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Northern Flicker |
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Northern Flicker female.
For as large as they are (slightly larger than American Robin, similar
in size to common Grackle), Northern Flickers are easily overlooked in
taller grass as they spend most of their time with their heads down
foraging for ants. Once an anthill is discovered, the Flicker will
stay in place to consume its meal making it easily unnoticed in
comparison to other birds that move frequently while foraging. This picture is of an adult female. She has no malar stripe extending from her bill to her neck. Central Indiana - June 26, 2007 |
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Northern Flicker male. This is an adult
male, and though partially in shadow one can see the black malar stripe
extending from its bill to its neck. All Northern Flickers sport
the red chevron, which I think looks more like a heart, on the nape of
its neck. Sibley's Field Guide to Birds of Eastern North America indicates the Northern Flicker can be a year-round resident of Indiana. I've only noticed them in June and July, but since they don't visit the feeders and tend to forage in the yard, often hidden by taller grass, I may have overlooked them in earlier spring or later summer. Central Indiana - June 17, 2008 |
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Juvenile Northern Flicker. This youngster
spent a considerable amount of time rummaging through the mulch under an
ornamental pear tree early in the morning. According to field
guides, there is no difference in markings between a juvenile Flicker
and an adult male Flicker. All juveniles, regardless of male or
female, have a black malar stripe. Other than a slight size
difference, the field guides indicate that a juvenile's plumage has a
"softer" appearance, and coloration is duller than the adult. Central Indiana - July 4, 2008 |
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Juvenile Northern Flicker. This photo
shows the red chevron or heart that each Northern Flicker bears on the
nape of the neck. These birds are well camouflaged for ground
foraging. Central Indiana - July 4, 2008 |
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Juvenile Northern Flicker Central Indiana - July 4, 2008 |
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Juvenile Northern Flicker Central Indiana - July 4, 2008 |
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Juvenile Northern Flicker Central Indiana - July 4, 2008 |
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