Taken by Neil English

With the SA208 Binocular

Physical Characteristics (Identification)

• The Red Nape: This is the key to identifying the gender. Only the adult male has that bright red patch on the back of his head (the nape). Females have an all-black crown, and juveniles have an entirely red crown.

• High-Contrast Plumage: It features bold black-and-white plumage with large white oval wing patches that look like "shoulders."

• Crimson Undertail: One of its most striking features is the vivid red patch under the tail (the undertail coverts), which often glows against the dark bark of a tree.

• Powerful Bill: Its chisel-like bill is designed for drumming on wood and prying out insects