Elusive; close proximity sightings are rare. So far, his is the only occasion that I have seen the Northern Flicker within the confines of of the yard. With a flash of his red under-lined wing in flight, my first sighting helped to inspire my initial interest in the birds.

"Red-shafted" Northern Flicker

Colaptes auratus  L 12½" (32 cm)

Brown, barred back; spotted under parts, with black crescent bib, brown crown, gray face, and red moustachial stripe. Red wing lining and under tail are evident in flight. Call: heard on the breeding ground is a long, loud series of wick-er notes; a single, loud klee-yer is given year-round. Range: Common in open woodlands; suburban areas.