Northern Flicker

Northern Flickers have long, slightly curved bills, rounded heads, spotted underparts, barred backs, black crescent-shaped bibs, and white rump patches. Two principal forms occur in North America. Western Red-shafted birds display reddish coloration beneath the wings and tail, while eastern Yellow-shafted birds display yellow. Male Red-shafted flickers have red mustache-like markings beside the bill; male Yellow-shafted flickers have black mustache markings and red crescents on the nape.

Northern Flickers occur across most of North America. Birds breeding in northern portions of the range commonly migrate south for winter, while populations breeding farther south are more likely to remain year-round. The Red-shafted form occupies western North America, while the Yellow-shafted form predominates across the East and much of the North. The two forms interbreed where their ranges meet.

This species inhabits open woodlands, forest edges, burned forests, fields with scattered trees, streamside woods, parks, and wooded neighborhoods. In western mountains, Northern Flickers occupy numerous forest types from lower elevations to near treeline. Dead and deteriorating trees provide valuable perches and potential nesting cavities.

Northern Flickers primarily eat insects, especially ants and beetles gathered from the ground. They probe and hammer into soil before using their long tongues to retrieve prey. They also consume flies, moths, butterflies, snails, fruits, berries, and seeds, with plant foods becoming particularly important during winter.