Hey all,
I'm not sure if this has come up on the listserv yet, but the "red-bellied
woodpecker" down by Holly's house seems to be a golden-fronted x
red-bellied hybrid. Jennifer and I noticed this separately the other day
and it brought forth some discussion. There is certainly enough red in the
nape to pass it off as a simple red-bellied without a close look, but the
orange/yellow belly and forehead are evident. It also sports a mostly
unspotted rump and dark central rectrices. In fact, despite the red on the
nape, the bird's overall plumage is almost consistent with golden-fronted.
Any previous observations of this individual should be adjusted
appropriately with a hybrid or a "slash".
--
Thanks,
Joe Girgente
M.S. Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University 2024
B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Virginia Tech 2015
B.S. Wildlife Conservation, Virginia Tech 2020
