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Wind Cave National Park
Birds - Northern Flicker
 
Northern Flicker - Colaptes auratus
NPS Photo by Tom Bean
Northern Flicker - Colaptes auratus
 
The Northern Flicker is divided into two distinct forms: Yellow-shafted Flickers are more common in the eastern and far northern parts of their range, while Red-shafted Flickers are common in the West. Both forms can be easily seen at Wind Cave National Park. The easiest way to differentiate between forms is to look for the under-wing color when the bird flies. Both forms have a white rump which is conspicuous in flight. Flickers—unlike most other woodpecker species—can be seen on the ground looking for worms and insects in the soil. They can be easily seen near lawns in the visitor center area looking for worms and insects in the soil. They can also be seen and heard often in the park’s forested areas. Flickers can be seen at Wind Cave National Park throughout the year.
Western Tanager
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fire on the prairie  

Did You Know?
Fire is an important factor in protecting the prairie. Historically, fires burned across the prairie every 4 to 7 years. Fires burn the small trees that would otherwise march across the prairie and turn the grasslands to forest.

Last Updated: August 10, 2007 at 15:43 EST