Northern Flicker

Physical Characteristics

Plumage:
The Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus), a large and colorful woodpecker, has a striking appearance that varies slightly by region. Its plumage is primarily brown with black barring on the back and wings, and a pale buff to grayish chest with distinctive black spots. A bold black crescent-shaped “bib” marks the upper breast.

• Eastern (Yellow-shafted) form: Underwing and tail feathers are bright yellow.

• Western (Red-shafted) form: Underwing and tail feathers are vivid red-orange.

Head:
The crown is grayish, with males showing a red or black mustache stripe depending on the subspecies. The face is pale with a long, slightly curved bill adapted for probing into soil and wood.

Body:
Northern Flickers are more slender than many other woodpeckers, with adaptations that allow them to forage not only on trees but also extensively on the ground—especially for ants.

Size:

• Length: 11–14 in (28–36 cm)

• Wingspan: 16–21 in (42–53 cm)

• Weight: 3.0–5.9 oz (86–167 g)

Feet & Tail:
As with other woodpeckers, they have zygodactyl feet (two toes forward, two back) for gripping bark, and a stiff tail that acts as a prop when climbing trees.

Flight Style:
Their flight is undulating, characterized by quick wingbeats interspersed with glides. The flashes of yellow or red underwings are highly visible in flight.

The Northern Flicker’s distinctive plumage, unique ground-foraging habits, and colorful underwing markings make it one of the most recognizable and unusual woodpeckers in North America.

Reproduction

Breeding Season:
Northern Flickers breed from late spring through summer, with timing varying by latitude. Courtship begins as early as March to May in most regions.

Courtship:
Males perform dramatic displays that include head bobbing, drumming on wood or metal surfaces, and loud calls. These displays establish territory and attract mates. Mated pairs are monogamous for the season.

Nesting:

• Both sexes excavate a cavity nest, typically in dead trees, snags, or wooden posts. Occasionally, they will reuse old cavities or even nest in artificial nest boxes.

• The cavity is unlined, relying on wood chips at the bottom.

Eggs:

• A clutch generally contains 5 to 8 pure white eggs.

• Eggs are laid one per day until the clutch is complete.

Incubation:

• Both parents incubate the eggs for 11 to 14 days.

• Males often take the night shift, while females incubate during the day.

Chick Development:

• Hatchlings are altricial (blind and featherless).

• Both parents feed regurgitated food to the chicks.

• Nestlings fledge at about 24 to 27 days, though they may remain near the nest and dependent on parents for another 1 to 3 weeks.

Maturity:

• Juveniles gain independence during late summer.

• Northern Flickers reach sexual maturity at 1 year of age, returning to breed the following spring.

The Northern Flicker’s reproductive strategy combines strong biparental care with cavity nesting, which provides protection against many predators.

Lifespan

In the Wild:
Northern Flickers generally live 6 to 9 years in their natural environment. Many do not survive their first year due to predation and environmental hazards, but once established, adults can live several years.

In Captivity:
With veterinary care and protection from predators, Northern Flickers may live up to 12 years or more, though they are rarely kept outside of rehabilitation or research settings.

Record Lifespan:
The oldest known wild Northern Flicker lived to be at least 9 years and 2 months, documented through banding records.

Threats to Longevity:

• Predation: Eggs and nestlings are taken by snakes, squirrels, raccoons, and larger birds. Adults may fall prey to hawks and owls.

• Habitat Loss: Removal of dead trees and snags reduces suitable nesting sites.

• Collisions: Strikes with windows and vehicles are significant hazards.

• Human Activity: Use of pesticides reduces their primary prey (ants and beetles), indirectly affecting survival.

Despite these threats, Northern Flickers remain widespread and adaptable, with stable populations across much of North America.

Eating Habits

Diet:
Northern Flickers have one of the most unusual diets among woodpeckers, relying heavily on ants and beetles, which make up the majority of their food. They also consume:

• Insects: Termites, caterpillars, crickets, grasshoppers, and other ground-dwelling insects.

• Fruits & Seeds: Berries, nuts, and seeds (especially in fall and winter when insects are scarce).

• Occasional Prey: Spiders, snails, and earthworms.

Foraging Behavior:

• Unlike most woodpeckers, Northern Flickers spend much of their time foraging on the ground, probing soil and leaf litter with their long, slightly curved bills.

• They use their barbed, sticky tongue, which can extend up to 2 in (5 cm) beyond the bill tip, to lap up ants and larvae from the soil.

• They will also drum and excavate into tree bark when searching for wood-boring insects.

Feeding Adaptations:

• Their saliva is sticky, helping capture ants and other small prey.

• The tongue tip has backward-facing barbs, perfect for lapping up large numbers of ants.

• Strong legs and zygodactyl feet (two toes forward, two back) allow them to cling to both vertical trunks and forage on flat ground.

Role in Ecosystem:
By consuming large numbers of ants, beetles, and other insects, Northern Flickers help control insect populations. They also disperse seeds and berries, contributing to forest regeneration.

Uniqueness

Ground-Feeding Woodpecker:
Unlike most woodpeckers that forage on trees, the Northern Flicker spends much of its time feeding on the ground, particularly targeting ants, which make up the bulk of its diet.

Two Distinct Forms:
This species has two strikingly different regional forms: the Yellow-shafted Flicker of the East, with yellow underwings and tail feathers, and the Red-shafted Flicker of the West, with reddish underwings. Where their ranges overlap, hybrids occur, showing a blend of both traits.

Colorful Flight Display:
In flight, Northern Flickers flash bright yellow or red wing linings, making them one of the most visually distinctive woodpeckers in North America. Their bounding, undulating flight pattern adds to their recognizable silhouette.

Vocal and Rhythmic:
They produce a loud, ringing “kleer” call and frequently drum on trees, metal poles, and even chimneys. This drumming is used to communicate territory ownership and attract mates.

Unique Tongue Adaptation:
Their tongue is exceptionally long, barbed, and coated in sticky saliva, allowing them to extract ants and beetles from deep soil tunnels—a feature uncommon among other woodpeckers.

Ecological Role:
By controlling ant populations and spreading seeds through fruit consumption, Northern Flickers play an important role in maintaining ecological balance in forests, grasslands, and suburban habitats.

The Northern Flicker stands out as a highly adaptable, colorful, and behaviorally unique woodpecker, with habits and appearances that set it apart from its relatives.