Fledgling or Juvenile Northern Flicker - Eastern Ontario, Canada (1 Viewer)

[Gordon W]

Saw this yellow-shafted male northern flicker this morning in Eastern Ontario, Canada. It was odd because the bird was sitting on the ground as shown and when I got too close it tried to fly, but not very well or very far or high. So I'm wondering if it's a fledgling or juvenile. Looked pretty young, but had well developed plumage. Any thoughts on its age?

 

[Bewick]

Thinking fledgling, if its successfully flying even for short distances that's usually a sign of a fledgling... also the plumage being more developed is a good sign.

 

[KC Foggin]

Thinking fledgling as well

 

[Gordon W]

Thank you both! Greatly appreciated.

 

[Butty]

Are there any features that make it juvenile? Why not a sick/injured adult?

 

[Bewick]

Are there any features that make it juvenile? Why not a sick/injured adult?

For me it’s the bill that makes it resemble a fledgling more then a sick adult.

 

[Butty]

Length/shape? Beware of individual variation and foreshortening - head is turned slightly towards us. It's not normal for a fully-feathered pecker of any age to sit about on the ground in an odd posture and let people walk up to it.

 

[Bewick]

Length/shape? Beware of individual variation and foreshortening - head is turned slightly towards us. It's not normal for a fully-feathered pecker of any age to sit about on the ground in an odd posture and let people walk up to it.

Both, but I guess it could be the angle- reminds me of this sick Jay my sister pictured. Also he said the bird tried to fly off- so I’m assuming it wasn’t just letting people walk up to it.