Northern flicker
The Northern Flicker is a medium-sized woodpecker found across most of North America and parts of Central America. It is notable for its diverse common names, often derived from its vocalizations, and for being one of the few woodpecker species that migrate. This bird exhibits distinct plumage variations between its eastern and western populations, particularly in the color of its wing and tail shafts.
Key Facts
- ›Native to most of North America, Central America, Cuba, and the Cayman Islands.
- ›Known for over 100 common names, many imitating its calls.
- ›Primary food source is insects, especially ants, but also consumes fruits, seeds, and nuts.
- ›Feeds frequently on the ground, probing with its beak and sometimes breaking into ant colonies.
- ›Migratory behavior varies, with some populations being non-migratory.
- ›Breeds in forested areas and nests in tree cavities or other suitable holes.
Yellowhammer, Clape, Gaffer Woodpecker, Harry-Wicket, Heigh-Ho, Wake-Up, Walk-Up, Wick-Up, Yarrup, Gawker Bird, Gold-Winged Wood-Pecker, Cuculus Auratus
North America, Central America, Cuba, Cayman Islands
Woodlands, Open Habitats Near Trees, Forest Edges, Yards, Parks, Mountain Forests
Black bars on back and wings, Black patch on upper breast, Black spots on lower breast and belly, Mustachial stripe, White rump conspicuous in flight, Yellow or red shafts on primaries
Insects, Ants, Larvae, Fruits, Berries, Seeds, Nuts
Feed on the ground, Probe with beak, Catch insects in flight, Break into underground ant colonies, Break up cow dung to eat insects
Holes In Trees, Old Earthen Burrows, Posts, Birdhouses
- Sustained laugh: 'Ki Ki Ki Ki'
- Constant knocking/drumming on trees or metal objects
About Northern flicker
The Northern Flicker, scientifically known as Colaptes auratus, is a medium-sized bird belonging to the woodpecker family. It is widely distributed across most of North America, extending into parts of Central America, Cuba, and the Cayman Islands. This species is recognized for its extensive list of common names, often onomatopoeic, reflecting its varied calls. Historically, it was described by Mark Catesby in the early 18th century and later classified by Carl Linnaeus.
Taxonomy and Subspecies
The Northern Flicker is part of the genus Colaptes, which includes 14 extant New World woodpeckers. Ten subspecies are recognized, with nine currently extant. These are broadly categorized into two groups: the yellow-shafted flicker, found primarily in eastern North America, and the red-shafted flicker, prevalent in western North America. Where their ranges overlap, these subspecies commonly interbreed, leading to ongoing discussions in ornithology regarding species definition. The specific epithet "auratus" is Latin for "gilded," referencing the bird's underwings.
Description and Characteristics
Adult Northern Flickers are brown with distinctive black barring on their backs and wings. A prominent black patch adorns the upper breast, while the lower breast and belly are beige with black spots. Males are distinguishable by a black or red mustachial stripe at the base of the beak, varying by geographic region, a feature absent in females. The tail is dark on top, transitioning to a conspicuous white rump when in flight. Their flight pattern is undulating, characterized by a rapid succession of wingbeats followed by a pause.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
A notable aspect of the Northern Flicker's behavior is its frequent foraging on the ground, a trait less common among woodpeckers. Their diet is primarily composed of insects, with ants accounting for a substantial portion, sometimes up to 45%. They are known to break into underground ant colonies and consume larvae. In addition to insects, they supplement their diet with fruits, berries, seeds, and nuts, particularly during winter months. Their tongues can extend significantly beyond their bills to capture prey, and they engage in 'anting,' using formic acid from ants for preening.
Habitat and Nesting
Northern Flickers inhabit open areas near trees, including woodlands, forest edges, yards, and parks. They are cavity nesters, typically excavating their own homes in trees. However, they may also utilize old, abandoned earthen burrows or man-made structures like birdhouses if suitable. Both sexes participate in nest excavation, creating a cavity that is wider at the bottom to accommodate eggs and adults. Abandoned nests can provide essential habitat for other cavity-nesting species.
Lifespan and Reproduction
Studies suggest a relatively low survival rate for Northern Flickers, with few individuals reaching beyond seven years of age. The oldest recorded individuals have lived over eight or nine years. The breeding season typically occurs from February to July. Pairs build nests, which can take one to two weeks. Males attract females through displays such as head bobbing and vocalizations. The clutch size usually ranges from six to eight pure white eggs. Incubation is shared by both parents for approximately 11 to 12 days, and the young fledge about 25 to 28 days after hatching.
Migration and Conservation
Northern Flickers are partial migrants, with some populations remaining sedentary year-round. Migratory individuals typically travel longer distances from northern breeding grounds. Their migratory patterns are influenced by factors such as food availability in snow-free areas and, in some cases, rising temperatures. Conservation status is generally considered Least Concern, with stable population trends observed.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different subspecies of Northern Flicker?
Ten subspecies of the Northern Flicker are recognized, divided into yellow-shafted and red-shafted groups. These groups were once considered separate species but are now viewed as one due to interbreeding where their ranges overlap.
What is the primary diet of the Northern Flicker?
The primary diet of the Northern Flicker consists of insects, with ants making up a significant portion, sometimes as much as 45%. They also consume other invertebrates, fruits, berries, seeds, and nuts, especially during winter.
Where do Northern Flickers typically build their nests?
Northern Flickers are cavity nesters, typically excavating holes in trees. They may also nest in old earthen burrows vacated by other birds or in appropriately sized and situated birdhouses.
How long do Northern Flickers typically live?
Studies indicate low survival rates, with only one to two out of every 300 adults living to be 7 years or older. The oldest recorded 'yellow-shafted' Northern Flicker lived over 9 years, and the oldest 'red-shafted' lived over 8 years.
What are the distinctive markings of male and female Northern Flickers?
Males can be identified by a black or red mustachial stripe at the base of their beak, depending on their geographic range. Females lack this distinctive stripe.
Does the Northern Flicker migrate?
Yes, the Northern Flicker is one of the few woodpecker species that migrate. However, migratory behavior is partial, with some southern populations remaining non-migratory.
Related Woodpecker species
Levaillant's woodpecker
Levaillant's woodpecker is a large African member of the woodpecker family, found in the Maghreb countries of Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. It is characterized by its dark green upperparts, yellowish-green underparts, crimson nape, and a distinctive black moustache with a pale border.
Red-headed woodpecker
The red-headed woodpecker is a striking, mid-sized bird found across temperate North America, distinguished by its entirely crimson head and neck, black back, and white belly. It thrives in open country habitats and is known for its omnivorous diet and unique food-caching behavior. While historically common, population declines have led to conservation concerns in parts of its range.
Great spotted woodpecker
The great spotted woodpecker is a medium-sized bird characterized by its pied black and white plumage and a distinctive red patch on its lower belly. It inhabits diverse woodlands across the Palearctic region and parts of North Africa. This adaptable species is known for its varied diet, including insect larvae, seeds, and even the eggs and chicks of other birds, and its habit of excavating tree cavities for nesting.