tags: Red-headed Woodpecker, Melanerpes erythrocephalus, birds, mystery bird, bird ID quiz
[Mystery bird] Red-headed Woodpecker, Melanerpes erythrocephalus, photographed in Minnehaha County, South Dakota. [I will identify this bird for you in 48 hours]
Image: Terry Sohl, 31 July 2008 [larger view]
Photo taken with Canon 40D, 400 5.6L.
Please name at least one field mark that supports your identification.
The photographer writes:
This photo pretty much sums up my relationship with these guys. I see them all the time, but whenever I get within 1/4 mile of one, they either fly off, or simply rotate to the backside of whatever perch they're on. At least this guy popped his head up so I could get SOMETHING of him!!Â
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I'll call it a red-headed woodpecker. Marks are:
I've never seen one in the wild, but I always look when I'm back east.
Actually, the glimpse of white is on the undersides. The upper back of a Red-headed Woodpecker is entirely black. The white is on the lower back, rump, secondaries, and tertials.
Brent, if you're ever heading through Chicago, fire off a post to the IL list-serve, and I'm sure someone will help you find one.
That's the red-headed woodpecker that makes others get named for bellies and such. Solid red head and gray bill, and the posture with the sawed-off tree and bug in mouth. Great shot - lots of personality!
Yes, a wonderful shot of a bird of Great Character, the red-headed woodpecker.
I have never had one bang on my stovepipe (I'm looking at you, Mr. Flicker and Mr. Red bellied) or splinter any part of my mother's deck (pileated) or dig row after row of holes in the bark of my sugar maple and apple trees (not much harm done, yellow-bellied sapsuckers, but still, that many???) or startle me with sudden loud pipping (downy and hairy).