Red-bellied Woodpecker
Immature Red-bellied Woodpecker, color
After a week of bitterly cold weather and snow, our weather has done a 180: today’s temperature is nearing 60F, and any snow that was around has been forgotten as it quickly melted. And with the warm weather, the birds have come out in abundance.
I often see red-bellied woodpeckers on and near my seed feeders, but this one had me puzzled. It moved up and down the tree bark in search of food, just like a red-bellied woodpecker, but where was the bright red? After a bit of searching and asking more proficient birders, this is an immature red-bellied woodpecker. To be sure, there is a fleck or two of red on its head, so I feel pretty confident in that identification.
If I’ve erred, please let me know.
Best wishes,
Bob
PS (190207): A more informed birder tells me that is not a red-bellied woodpecker. Rather, it is a juvenile Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. (Golden spots on back, large white wing patch, brown-streaked face, chest and belly.)
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