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Question
I live near Seattle my son woke me up this morning to point out a large a large black bird (about the size of large cat) perched on the side of a trunk of a cedar tree. It's head was completely red, and as it flew towards me I saw flashes of white (maybe the throat, maybe the belly). My first thought was some kind of woodpecker, but it seemed larger than that.
Given your location and description, I'm going to say Pileated Woodpecker. They are usuall 16-20 inches in length. Woody Woodpecker was a Pileated Woodpecker.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pileated_woodpecker
If that's not it, let me know and we'll see what else we can come up with.
Julia
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Thank you. It came back later in the day and I got some video and wonderful closeup shots. You are exactly right - a picture perfect Pileated Woodpecker. Helps a lot that I had my glasses on for the second visit. I had no idea they were so big! Thanks again for the quick reply. | ||
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Answers by Expert:
Julia Booth
Expertise
I can answer questions about bird identification (by sight or sound), behavior, distribution, population, conservation, mating, nesting, fledging and feeding. I do have some practical knowledge about foreign species, but identification skills are limited in that arena. Bear in mind that as much as I know, it's possible that at least some of you will ask a question that I am unable to answer. At which point I would direct you to wherever or whomever I thought could provide you with that information.
Experience
I have 15 years birding experience in Southern California.
Organizations
Audubon Society
Education/Credentials
My education is in art and photography -but I have a substantial portfolio of nature related work.
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