Rare yellow-shafted Northern Flicker spotted in South Orange County

A yellow-shafted Northern Flicker was spotted on March 25.  Photo by Anthony Gliozzo

Note below reposted from Anthony Gliozzo at ocbirds.com:

The Northern Flicker is a stunning woodpecker species.  They are common in Orange County and can be heard calling and perhaps singing throughout the year though more so in winter months.  They are easily distinguishable with their black polka dot chest over white plumage.  They can be seen on the ground or up high in various tree types.

A rare sub-species was found today, the yellow-shafted variation at Oso Reservoir near the 241 toll road and Los Alisos Blvd.  The yellow-shafted are for the most part the eastern US variants whereas here in Southern California, we have the red-shafted variants.

The differences are typically easy to ID.  If the under tail and under wing show a bright orange coloration, then you’ve more than likely seen the “red-shafted” sub-species.  However if you happen to see a yellow under tail and yellow under wing, this is more than likely the “yellow-shafted” variation.

For more information, go to OC Birds. 

Attract Northern flickers to your yard with suet.
Happy Birding!
J.J.