Northern Flicker Woodpecker

1. Bird Name: The bird that we are focusing on is commonly known as the Northern Flicker Woodpecker. Its scientific name is Colaptes auratus.

2. Appearance: The Northern Flicker is a large, robust woodpecker, sporting a slim, rounded head, slim, flared tail, and robust bill. It is adorned by a barred brown and black back and a white rump, conspicuous during flight. Underneath, they are predominantly beige with a black spotted pattern that extends along the chest and belly. The species presents a sexual dimorphism: males are identifiable by their ‘moustache’ — a black or red line from the beak to the neck, while females lack this marking.

3. Size: Northern flickers typically measure between 28-36 cm in length (11-14 inches), with a wingspan of around 45-52 cm (18-20 inches). They weigh in at somewhere between 85-165 grams (3-6 ounces).

4. Habitat & Distribution: This woodpecker species is largely distributed across North America and parts of Central America, being found as far north as Alaska and across the Canadian territories. Northern Flickers prefer habitats with trees, such as woodlands, forest edges, parks, gardens, and residential areas.

5. Interesting Facts: An intriguing facet about the Northern Flicker is their feeding habit. Unlike other woodpeckers who primarily forage on trees, Northern Flickers often forage on the ground, probing with their bill in search of their favorite food, ants and beetles. They are also one of the few woodpecker species that migrate, with northern populations moving south in fall. In Native American culture, the Flicker is associated with knowledge and understanding.

6. Diet: While most well-known for eating ants and beetles, the Northern Flicker’s diet includes a range of other invertebrates and plants. Other food sources include fruits, berries, seeds, and occasionally, small mammals and birds.

7. Behavior & Sounds: Northern Flickers generally exhibit a bouncing flight pattern as they move from tree to tree. In terms of mating behavior, a male will assert his dominance and territory by drumming on trees with his bill. Their call is a loud ‘wick-a-wick-a-wick’ which is often repeated and differs in intensity.

8. Conservation Status: The Northern Flicker Woodpecker is classified as “Least Concern” by the IUCN Red List. However, their populations are said to be on the decline due to habitat reduction and competition for nesting sites.

9. Lifespan: On average, a wild Northern Flicker can live up to 5-6 years. However, the oldest recorded Northern Flicker was about 9 years.

10. Additional Notes: Northern flickers are also known as ‘Common Flickers’ and the term ‘Flicker’ is believed to come from their flight pattern which gives the impression of a flickering flame. Occasionally, they can appear aggressive towards humans if they feel their nest is threatened. Ecologically, Northern Flickers contribute to the control of ant and beetle populations and by creating cavities in trees, they provide potential nest sites for other bird species.