The Beauty of God's Creation in Birds
Flight dynamics are very complicated-but many birds fly. Yet, some birds can swim rather than fly (Penguins). Some walk better than fly (Ostrich, Roadrunner, Moa from New Zealand). All have a similar body structure form and are thus grouped together. Variation can be profoundly diverse and yet remain within a group. This diversity has not been shown to support or demonstrate evolution. No bird type shows "transition" form(s) into or from other life forms. See comments on Archaeopteryx in creation /evolution section. (Pictures by JGL)
Woodpecker-Expanded View
This particular woodpecker is found throughout the US but has regional variations in its feather patterns. This one was seen in New Mexico and has reddish under wings. It appears to be a male as it has a coloration under it's beak The female would not have such a coloration.-JGL
"Ants and other insects, nuts, fruit and seeds make up the northern flicker's diet. Its predators include raccoons, feral cats, and hawks. The northern flicker reaches sexual maturity at one year. Its mating season lasts from February through July. Nests are excavated in dead trees or dead portions of living trees, generally 6 to 20 feet (1.8 to 6 m) above the ground, but as high as 100 feet (30 m). The nest's entrance is about 2.75 inches (7 cm) in diameter. Females usually lay five to eight eggs, which hatch after 11 to 16 days. Young leave the nest about four weeks after hatching. Under ideal conditions, two broods may be raised in one season. Northern flickers live up to 12 years."
From: tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/wild/species/northernflicker/
"Ants and other insects, nuts, fruit and seeds make up the northern flicker's diet. Its predators include raccoons, feral cats, and hawks. The northern flicker reaches sexual maturity at one year. Its mating season lasts from February through July. Nests are excavated in dead trees or dead portions of living trees, generally 6 to 20 feet (1.8 to 6 m) above the ground, but as high as 100 feet (30 m). The nest's entrance is about 2.75 inches (7 cm) in diameter. Females usually lay five to eight eggs, which hatch after 11 to 16 days. Young leave the nest about four weeks after hatching. Under ideal conditions, two broods may be raised in one season. Northern flickers live up to 12 years."
From: tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/wild/species/northernflicker/