The Birds of El Paso County, Colorado 51'' 



A common bird all over the County where there are trees, 

 and ranging to timberline in the mountains, breeding through- 

 out its range. Often seen in Colorado Springs through the 

 year, in the summer devouring the ants on the lawns and 

 gravel walks, and gathering grubs and insects. There are 

 always some to be found in Monument Valley Park. As 

 noted under the Red-headed Woodpecker a pair of Flickers 

 had a nest there April 28, 1913, and were driven out by the 

 other species. September tenth following a female Flicker 

 was observed feeding young at this hole. A decidedly late 

 date for a brood of this species to be coming out and it would 

 be very interesting if one knew that it was the same pair 

 which were ousted from that nest in May. 



The' majority of winter residents probably come from the 

 far north, but it is certain that some individuals remain 

 throughout the year. Dr. Arnold has fed the same pair 

 throughout .the year. Some of these winter birds have a well- 

 marked red nape, and there is a series of specimens in Aiken's 

 private collection which show every gradation from a mere 

 indication of red on the nape up to a strong nuchal band a 

 quarter of an inch or more wide. It would seem possible 

 that these birds represent a distinct race. 



They are distinct from the so-called "Hybrid Flickers," 

 which are rarely seen either in winter or during the breeding 

 season, but which are fairly common in migration, beginning 

 to come in March, but rare in April ; they return in Septem- 

 ber and October. These birds have the body coloration of 

 collaris, and the red mustache, with the undersides of the wings 

 and tail yellow or saffron. It is not uncommon to find breed- 

 ing birds with a few yellow feathers in wing or tail. May 

 15, 1904, Aiken found at Ramah a Flicker's nest with seven 

 fresh eggs, capturing the male bird on the nest. This bird had 

 the underparts of the wing and tail bright salmon-colored. 

 Some of our breeders with all red show a strong vinaceous 



