Mom and Pop
This photo shows clearly the only means I know how to tell the difference between male and female northern yellow-shafted flickers, (Colaptes auratus). The male flicker (below) has clearly defined black mustache stripes; the female, leaving the nest cavity, does not.
They are so very busy these days, with nine hatchlings. Constantly bringing home and regurgitating bugs for the nestlings, which are now quite noisy when they hear a parent land on the tree outside the cavity. Otherwise, they are completely quiet.
Soon the nestlings will be big enough to climb up the inside of the cavity and poke their heads out, and call for food to supply their constant growth. Those who are most able will be fed most often. Those not first to the food line will likely be overcome by their siblings, and starve.
Mom and Pop
This photo shows clearly the only means I know how to tell the difference between male and female northern yellow-shafted flickers, (Colaptes auratus). The male flicker (below) has clearly defined black mustache stripes; the female, leaving the nest cavity, does not.
They are so very busy these days, with nine hatchlings. Constantly bringing home and regurgitating bugs for the nestlings, which are now quite noisy when they hear a parent land on the tree outside the cavity. Otherwise, they are completely quiet.
Soon the nestlings will be big enough to climb up the inside of the cavity and poke their heads out, and call for food to supply their constant growth. Those who are most able will be fed most often. Those not first to the food line will likely be overcome by their siblings, and starve.