some kind of jay? (1 Viewer)

[arkytami40]

Hello Everyone, I need help identifying a bird that was in my yard yesterday. It looked like a blue jay, same size, large dark bill, same shape head etc. but it was gray with a black barred chest and at the base of the back of its neck was red. Can someone tell me what this is

Thanks, Tami in Arkansas

 

[KC Foggin]

On behalf of the Admin and all the Moderators here at BF, welcome Tami.

Not sure of what bird you saw. I don't know of any Jay that has red on the back of its neck. I'm wondering if perhaps it is of the woodpeckers/sapsucker family. Hopefully there will be someone here that knows what your mystery bird is. Now you have me curious.

 

[Charles Harper]

Maybe a Yellow-shafted Flicker? They get down on the ground a lot. Get a photo, Tami.

 

[Michael Frankis]

I'd agree with Northern (Yellow-shafted) Flicker, a species of woodpecker

Michael

 

[Tammie]

Welcome to the Forum from one Tammie to another!

Your bird sounds just like the Northern Flicker I was just watching on my front lawn.

Hope you enjoy this forum!

 

[dennis]

Thought of you today Tami. A friend, with only a slight interest in birdwatching, ID'd their first Northern Flicker. The first thing they said to me was, "Looks a little like a Blue Jay." Sound familiar?

dennis