northern flicker

1. Bird Name

The bird in focus is the Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus).

2. Appearance

The Northern Flicker is a large woodpecker, characterized by distinct coloration, patterns, and unique markings. The bird exhibits a gray-brown barred back and wings while its underparts are conspicuously splattered with black spots. The tail is mostly black on the top with a unique white rump patch, evident during flight. A narrow red bar marks the nape of the bird, earning it the moniker ‘red-shafted flicker.’ Male Northern Flickers have a black or red moustache, which females lack.

3. Size

Northern Flickers generally measure between 28-36 cm in length. Their wingspan falls roughly between 42-45 inches. This species weighs between 86 to 167 grams.

4. Habitat & Distribution

Northern Flickers can be found across North America and parts of Central America, parts of Cuba, the Cayman Islands, and the northern boundary of South America. They inhabit landscapes from Alaska to Quebec and southwards. Their preferred habitats are forest edges, parks, suburban areas, open fields, and woodlands.

5. Interesting Facts

Unlike other woodpeckers, Northern Flickers often forage on the ground, primarily for ants and beetles. They are among the few woodpecker species that migrate. Northern Flickers are regarded as harbingers of spring by native tribes in the United States due to their early arrival.

6. Diet

These birds primarily feed on ants and beetles, which they find by probing the ground with their beak. They are also known to consume fruits, berries, seeds, and other insects.

7. Behavior & Sounds

Their flapping sequence when flying is unique, characterized by a series of rapid wingbeats followed by a short glide. The song of a Northern Flicker is a loud ‘wick-a-wick-a-wick,’ while its call is a sharp ‘kleer’ or ‘flick-a,’ giving the bird its name.

8. Conservation Status

According to the IUCN Red List, the Northern Flicker is currently categorized as a species of least concern despite a minor decrease in population.

9. Lifespan

Northern Flickers can live up to 9 years in the wild. In captivity, they tend to live a bit longer.

10. Additional Notes:

In Spanish, it’s known as ‘Carpintero escapulario.’ They serve as key species in controlling ant and beetle populations, contributing to the balance of their ecosystem. While mostly peaceful with humans, they can sometimes become a nuisance due to their drumming on buildings and other structures.