2 replies to this topic

[birdlover]

I live in Moose Jaw Saskatchewan. I saw a bird which I cannot identify using regular methods.
This bird seemed larger than a robin with a longer narrow beak, he was going along the edge of the lawn poking into ant holes for food. His back feathers were a beige/brown color with beautiful mottling or speckles, the chest was a pale peach color and had an upside down triangle ( black ) at the base of the throat. I thought it was a thrush but all the info and pictures I have found does not match.

Your help would surely be appreciated.

Birdlover

[David Lukas]

What you have there is a Northern Flicker! This very cool and beautiful woodpecker is unique among the birds of North America in spending lots of time on the ground eating ants. In fact, it eats more ants than any other bird in North America (up to 45% of its diet is ants, mainly the big black carpenter ants that tunnel in wood). Its long, stout bill is ideally suited for probing in the ground and catching these ants. If you look closely at the markings on the bird's face you can even tell whether it is a male or female (males show a red slash).

Enjoy watching this wonderful bird if it sticks around for a while. They can be attracted to a suet bird feeder, especially in winter.

David Lukas and Simone Whitecloud

 

[birdlover]

Thanks so much for identifying this bird. That's him alright...what abeauty. As a matter of fact, I do have a suet feeder in my back yard
and so far I have enjoyed watching many bird come to visit. As you canprobably tell I am quite new at this hobby but I must say it has
provided me with many hours of enjoyment and many smiles.
Thanks again.
Birdlover