Adults are mainly light gray on the face and underparts; they have black and white barred patterns on their back, wings and tail. Adult males have a red cap going from the bill to the nape; females have a red patch on the nape and another above the bill . The reddish tinge on the belly that gives the bird its name is difficult to see in field identification. They are 22.85 to 26.7cm (9.00 to 10.5in) long, and have a wingspan of 38 to 46cm (15 to 18in).
The red belly is often unseen both because of it being (obviously) on the underside of the bird's body and, being pale as well. The name does cause some head-scratching (good pun, huh?) but
just resist the temptation to call them Red-headed Woodpeckers, a somewhat rarer species that's mostly black on the back with big white wing patches.
Some days I just get lucky.
Except for the days they draw those damn MegaMillions lotter numbers.
Maybe this week.
Wonderful photos Mac, congratulations to you, and him as well, for posing.
Beautiful
Fantastic shots Mac !! Sometimes patience pays off!! Great job as usual !!!
You always have had the patience of a saint. Great capture and beautiful photos as usual. Love them.
Thanks for the kind words; after two years, I was finally able to get up from where I was sitting and waiting for the bird to reward my patience.
Did you ever have to pee for two years?
I am quite relieved.
''Did you ever have to pee for two years?''. Can't say that I have Mac. Even with my traveling bladder, I couldn't hold it that long.
You hold your bladder?
It's an out of body experience Mac.
Does it ever get you pissed off (or worse, pissed on)?
Hey, did anyone every realize that the "p" is silent in the word "urine".
LOL, depends on how you spell urine, pruine, pee, piss, yellow river. OK, I'm going to quit now, while I'm still sounding sane, or is it psane.
Fair enough; I'm about to watch a football game
The 2014 Toilet Bowl played (wait for it)
In New York.
FLUSHING, New York.
IMPISSE sorry IMPASSE.
Kinda' works either way if you think about it.
The first shot belongs in Audubon Magazine. The bird is posed absolutely perfectly to see its great markings. A.Mac, you caught it at its best.
And what a beautiful adult female she is!!!
Adults are mainly light gray on the face and underparts; they have black and white barred patterns on their back, wings and tail. Adult males have a red cap going from the bill to the nape; females have a red patch on the nape and another above the bill . The reddish tinge on the belly that gives the bird its name is difficult to see in field identification. They are 22.85 to 26.7cm (9.00 to 10.5in) long, and have a wingspan of 38 to 46cm (15 to 18in).
Quite right Sixpick! Females have only the hindcrown red, while males have a full red crown.
My bad in using the colloquialism term "guy" rather than being biologically precise.
Good call!
Is it possible that the little guy has male pattern baldness? Even a very high forehead.
You're confusing the subject with the photographer.
It's early and I'm old. Confusion is an everyday occurrence with me.
What were we talking about?
I don't know.
What'd you drink during those two years????
So do I.
Ya musta got the wrong bird Mac - his belly ain't red, just his nose and behind his bald spot.
The red belly is often unseen both because of it being (obviously) on the underside of the bird's body and, being pale as well. The name does cause some head-scratching (good pun, huh?) but
Well, I'd say you missed it by a hair. Have you tried the Ivory Billed Woodpecker yet???
The Ivory Billed was thought extinct but several years ago there were alleged sightings.
I have photographed the similar Pileated Woodpecker.
Just go to Arkansas, near the Red River - "supposedly" a number of sighting there.
Good to see because, as it is said, "Extinction is forever."
Wow now that is big bird at his best.
Great catch A. Mac!
The wait, the anticipation, the stalk...love birding and is endlessly amusing.
:~)
Thank you gentelmen.