The northern flicker is a medium-sized woodpecker native to North America, known for its brown plumage with black spots and its unique feeding behavior, as it often forages on the ground for ants and beetles. There are two main forms: the yellow-shafted flicker in the east and the red-shafted flicker in the west, which can interbreed where their ranges overlap.

Overview of the Northern Flicker

The Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus) is a medium-sized woodpecker found across most of North America, parts of Central America, Cuba, and the Cayman Islands. It is unique among woodpeckers for its preference for feeding on the ground, primarily consuming ants and beetles.

Physical Characteristics

  • Size: 11-12 inches (28-31 cm) in length
  • Wingspan: 17-20 inches (43-51 cm)
  • Weight: 4-6 ounces (113-170 g)

The Northern Flicker has a brown back with black barring, a black chest patch, and spots on its belly. There are two main forms:

  • Yellow-shafted Flicker: Found in the eastern and northern regions, featuring bright yellow underwings and tail.
  • Red-shafted Flicker: Found in the western regions, with salmon-pink underwings and tail.

Habitat and Behavior

Northern Flickers prefer open woodlands, parks, and suburban areas. They do not nest in dense forests and often excavate nesting cavities in dead or diseased trees. Their flight is characterized by a strong undulating pattern, and they are known for their loud, ringing calls and drumming sounds.

Reproduction

  • Nesting: They typically lay 5 to 8 eggs, which both parents incubate for about 11 days.
  • Fledging: Young leave the nest after 24 to 27 days and are fed by their parents for some time after fledging.

Migration

Northern Flickers are partially migratory. The Yellow-shafted Flickers migrate more extensively, while Red-shafted Flickers often remain closer to their breeding grounds during winter.

This bird plays a vital role in its ecosystem by creating nesting sites for other species through its cavity excavation.