Bird Identification Help

[PLAINSHUNTER]

I grew up in the Midwest and mostly bird hunted there as a kid.  As Pheasant and Quail are a little hard to come by on the West side where I live, I've been trying to get my kids into deer hunting.  Something I didn't really do growing up so it's a learning process for me too.  Anyway I was in the Gifford Pinochet today scouting around.  As I was driving the forest roads, I was commonly coming across birds that were sitting on the side of or even in the road.  On my approach they would take flight often landing in nearby trees but for the most part they were out of sight.  As they flew away, the displayed a white tail.  The ones I saw in the trees had the shape of head I would have thought they were woodpeckers.  Didn't seem to be much bigger than a dove.  Anyone able to tell me what these might be given my poor description?  Are they grouse?
Thanks in advance for your help

[Ebell]

Sounds like northern flickers.  The white patch on the tail is the give away.

[300rum]

Gray Jay?

[Timberstalker]

Did they have a game bird wingspeed or slower?

[lokidog]

Sounds like northern flickers.  The white patch on the tail is the give away.

Bingo!  No doubts on this one.

[Birdguy]

Sounds like northern flickers.  The white patch on the tail is the give away.

Bingo!  No doubts on this one.

 

[PLAINSHUNTER]

Thank you all for your input!  After viewing images on the internet of Northern Flickers, I can confirm that is what I saw.  Another good day learning in the field.  This site and the feedback from the members has been invaluable for me.  Much appreciated!

From www.allaboutbirds.org
Size & Shape
Flickers are fairly large woodpeckers with a slim, rounded head, slightly downcurved bill, and long, flared tail that tapers to a point.
Habitat
Look for flickers in open habitats near trees, including woodlands, edges, yards, and parks. In the West you can find them in mountain forests all the way up to treeline.

[lokidog]

I should have posted this.  This was near my house.