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Northern Flicker

Colaptes auratusOrder: PICIFORMESFamily: Woodpeckers (Picidae)

Breeding Location:

Forest edge, Grassland with scattered trees



Breeding Type:

Monogamous, Solitary nester



Breeding Population:



Egg Color:

White



Number of Eggs:

3 - 12



Incubation Days:

11 - 16



Egg Incubator:

Both sexes



Nest Material:

Cavity lined with chips.



Migration:

Some migrate



Splitbar

Overview

Northern Flicker: Medium woodpecker, black-barred brown back, white rump, black tail. Underparts are black-spotted pale brown with black crescent on breast. Face is gray with brown crown and forehead. Legs and feet are gray. There is a Red-shafted (shown here) and a Yellow-shafted race.

Range and Habitat

Northern Flicker: Resident from Alaska east through Manitoba to Newfoundland and south throughout the U.S. Northernmost birds are migratory. Prefers forest edges and open woodlands approaching savannas.

Breeding and Nesting

Northern Flicker: Three to twelve white eggs are laid in a cavity in a tree, utility pole, or birdhouse; usually excavates nest cavities in dead or diseased tree trunks or large branches. Incubation ranges from 11 to 16 days and is carried out by both parents.

Foraging and Feeding

Northern Flicker: Diet consists primarily of ants; also eats other insects, berries, and fruits; forages in trees, shrubs, and on the ground.

Readily Eats

Suet, Sunflower Seed, Nuts, Fruit, Sugar

Vocalization

Northern Flicker: Song is a loud, repeated "flicker" or "wicka-wicka-wicka"; also makes a loud "kleeer."

Similar Species

Northern Flicker: Gilded Flicker has red moustache stripe, yellow underwings, and black-spotted underparts.

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Family
Species Colaptes auratus
Length12.75 - 14 Inches
Wingspan20 Inches

Northern Flicker

Northern Flicker: Medium woodpecker, black-barred brown back, white rump, black tail. Underparts are black-spotted pale brown with black crescent on breast. Face is gray with brown crown and forehead. Legs and feet are gray. There is a Red-shafted (shown here) and a Yellow-shafted race.

● Song: "flicker", "wicka-wicka-wicka", "kleeer"

● Foraging & Feeding: Northern Flicker: Diet consists primarily of ants; also eats other insects, berries, and fruits; forages in trees, shrubs, and on the ground.

● Breeding & nesting: Northern Flicker: Three to twelve white eggs are laid in a cavity in a tree, utility pole, or birdhouse; usually excavates nest cavities in dead or diseased tree trunks or large branches. Incubation ranges from 11 to 16 days and is carried out by both parents.

● Similar species: Northern Flicker: Gilded Flicker has red moustache stripe, yellow underwings, and black-spotted underparts.

Flight Pattern

Several rapid wing beats and then a pause with wings folded atsides producing up-and-down flight pattern.
Northern Flicker Body Illustration_2
● Range & Habitat: Northern Flicker: Resident from Alaska east through Manitoba to Newfoundland and south throughout the U.S. Northernmost birds are migratory. Prefers forest edges and open woodlands approaching savannas.
BreedingMonogamous, Solitary nester
Population
MigrationSome migrate
Weight2.5 Ounces