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Just saw a bird in my backyard, In North-East Arkansas area.  It was medium sized, mostly mottled brown/white, had about a 2" straight bill, had an absolute black apron across its chest and had black markings on each side of head, next to eyes.  It was slightly smaller than a golden eagle which we recently saw there.  It appeared to be eating bugs?, or perhaps corn pieces which were left on the ground.  Thank You, Gloria

Maybe a Northern Flicker?  Did it look anything like this - http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Northern_Flicker_dtl.html

Nancy

Yes, it does sound like a Northern Flicker, except for the "slightly smaller than a Golden Eagle..." Golden Eagles are HUGE, with a wingspan of almost eight feet! Size, though, is easy to under-estimate, especially while out in the field. In any case, look up pictures of a Northern Flicker.

The black chest band does indeed strongly suggest flicker.

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