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What Bird?? Yellow head with Red spot

15 years ago

Hi everyone! I'm new here, and so happy to find this forum!

We are a homeschooling family and we're always in the middle of a nature study of some sort.

This year we've been studying birds and keeping a log of what birds we find...it's amazing the variety we are seeing in our own back yard alone! Today we saw a bird eating berries from our mulberry tree...a new one that we haven't noticed before.

It had a yellow head and neck - light yellow I believe, with a distinct red or rust colored spot on the top of it's head.

When perched on the tree, we could see a black and white striped pattern on it's wings. I don't remember the color of it's belly or under the wings. I tried to get a picture but it flew away...anyways, I thought maybe a woodpecker, but I've searched and searched and can't find anything out there that looks like this bird. We are stumped!

So, I'm hoping someone can help us identify this bird... we are in central Texas. Thank so much!

Happy bird watching!

Meg

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Comment (1)

zaffisc
15 years ago
What a great family activity - I hope you are able to continue your checklist.

Since you are in Central Tx, you may have seen a Golden-fronted woodpecker. The males have the red spot you describe. Good find, if that is your bird.

Perhaps others will have another possibility... Candy
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