Is this bird a native or just passing through - Ask Extension
I have multiple feeders in my Giving Tree and around the yard, and this fellow (I think!) showed up today (Memorial Day 2024). He was beating the heck...
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Is this bird a native or just passing through #870317
Asked May 27, 2024, 6:00 PM EDT
I have multiple feeders in my Giving Tree and around the yard, and this fellow (I think!) showed up today (Memorial Day 2024). He was beating the heck out of a couple woodpecker fruit and nut blocks hanging right outside my patio door. He was a large bird, with black markings on his head. A thick black stripe in the middle of his head, with white stripes next to it, and black stripes next to them. I did not see any red markings anywhere on him. His chin and chest were solid white, and his long, pointed bill was very pale, almost white. The rest of his body was black and white. I have Hairy and Downy and Northern Flickers. I have even had a Pileated visit me! The pale bill is what is throwing me off. I videoed him with the zoom on, so the pictures are terrible (I screenshot the moving video because I am technically challenged) but I hope you can see his markings and identify him for me. Thank you!!!
Ingham County Michigan
Expert Response
I'm not able to make out the markings on the bird from these photos unfortunately. I do know of some great resources that might help in your search. The first is the Cornell Bird Lab website, and the second is the Audubon site. The second has a search function where you can select relative size and markings.
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/#
https://www.audubon.org/bird-guide
Good luck in your search! If you are able to get a picture closer up, let us know.
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/#
https://www.audubon.org/bird-guide
Good luck in your search! If you are able to get a picture closer up, let us know.
I could not find this bird in either recommended site. Is there a juvenile of some sort with a long, white bill, and the black markings and all white chest? I have included a few more feeble screen shots in the hopes that they come out clearer. I have 58 seconds of video, but don't know how to send it. He did not show up again today, but I am keeping a lookout for him.
There are some woodpeckers that have similar markings as juveniles, but unfortunately I can't make out enough of this bird to tell what it is. There are several species in the Great Lakes region that look similar. On the Audubon site, limit your search to the woodpecker family and the Great Lakes region.