It's a pretty standard Northern Flicker, as Connie said (although it
doesn't even seem that black to me!). Plain brown back, reddish malar
visible in the final image (and noted in Ron's comments), and black
spotting (not barring) on the flanks/underparts. Additionally, the classic
dark crescent chest mark is visible in the last photo. Williamson's would
show barring on the back and tail, and Black-backed would show a bold white
malar and barring on the flanks. The back is distinctly *brown*, unlike any
plumage of Black-backed. Furthermore, the bird in question shows a grayish
head with a rufous forecrown, perfectly in line with a Red-shafted Northern
Flicker.
Best,
--Owen Robertson
On Fri, Dec 5, 2025 at 2:58 PM Chris H <chobbs.f1...> wrote:
> Barring on the flanks, size, low resolution and lack of 'features' seems
> good for Williamson's.
>
> Chris Hobbs
> <chobbs.f1...>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
> *From:* <cobirds...> <cobirds...> on behalf of
> Ron W <ourwildplaces...>
> *Sent:* Friday, December 5, 2025 11:33:51 AM
> *To:* Colorado Birds <cobirds...>
> *Subject:* [cobirds] Unknown Woodpecker, Montrose Colorado, Dec 04 25
>
> Hello all, as my field report states :
>
> Roughly 9" with a short tail. In full sunlight, the bird shows no markings
> on its all dark back. Similarly the head is also all dark, with a possible
> dark red semicircle below the eye. I observed this bird from roughly 15'
> for around 2 minutes (equipped with only a cell phone). In that time
> woodpecker made no vocalizations."
>
> 4 photos are included with the report.
>
> https://ebird.org/checklist/S287390731 >
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