FLICKERS 



(413) Colaptes cafer collaris 



Vigors 



RED-SHAFTED FLICKER. 

 Plumage as shown, the a' having a 

 red moustache mark while the 9 

 has none and also usually lacks the 

 scarlet patch on the nape. Notice 

 that the crown is brownish and the 

 throat grayish, while that of the 

 eastern Flicker is just the reverse. 

 Linings of wings and shafts of feathers 

 quite reddish; rump white as on the 

 eastern bird, showing conspicuously 

 during flight. L., 13.00; W., 6.25; 

 T., 4.75; B., 1.45. Eg^j — Glossy 

 white, the shell being translucent so 

 that the contents when fresh give it 

 a pinkish tint. 



Range — Chiefly west of the 

 Rockies, but east to S. Dak., Kan., 

 and Tex. 



The most common, "Golden-winged Woodpecker," is 

 obviously applied because of the bright golden under sur- 

 faces of wings and tail. "High-hole" comes from the con- 

 spicuous round holes, entrances to their nests, so often 

 seen high up on dead limbs; nevertheless, they frequently 

 nest at low elevations, not infrequently in fence posts. 

 "Wake-up," probably originates from one of their notes — • 

 a courting song, heard most often in spring, but sounding 

 more like "wick-up, wick-up, wick-up"; some think this 

 name has its origin because, early in the morning, some 

 individual Flickers get into the habit of returning to a corner 

 of the farmhouse and drumming on the cornice, or perhaps 

 on a tin trough or drain. 



Flickers are found on the ground more often than any 

 other species; they often fly up before any one crossing 

 pastures, being easUy recognized by the white rump patch 

 and their undulating, bounding flight as they make for 

 the nearest tree; by the way, they often alight crossways on 

 branches, while other species rarely if ever do. Flickers are 



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