Red-bellied Mullets

I've watched red-bellied woodpeckers for more than 35 years. But today is the first time that I noticed what totally awesome red mullets they have! I used to think this was just a field mark—but I was so wrong!

Other names for the mullet: Beavertail, hockey hair, mudflap, Kentucky waterfall, Missouri Compromise, Tennessee tophat.

Dude! It's a feathered fashion statement. Now I know why they have zebra-striped backs. These are the avian equivalent of zebra-striped pants favored by mullet-wearing rockers.

I love the way this mullet fans out across the woodpecker's nape.

It just goes to show, you're never too old to learn something new.
And I believe this is further evidence of the undeniable, never-ending power and majesty of ROKK!