Overview

The Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus) is a widespread North American woodpecker with two main forms: the Yellow‑shafted Flicker in the East and North, and the Red‑shafted Flicker in the West. Both forms share a brown, barred back, spotted belly, and a distinct black chest crescent, but differ in the color of their wing and tail shafts—yellow in the eastern group and red in the western group.

This species is medium‑sized, measuring 11–12 in (28–31 cm) in length, with a wingspan of 17–20 in (43–51 cm) and a weight of 4–6 oz (113–170 g). It is one of the few woodpeckers that migrates, with northern populations traveling south in fall, while others move shorter distances or remain resident.

Distribution & Habitat

Northern Flickers occur from Alaska and Canada through the United States and into parts of Central America, occupying open forests, woodlots, groves, towns, and semi‑open country. They require trees for nesting but often forage in open areas. 

Diet/Foraging

Northern Flickers are unusual among woodpeckers because they feed primarily on the ground, where they dig into soil and ant mounds using their slightly curved bill. Ants make up around 45% of their diet, and they also consume ground beetles, flies, butterflies, moths, snails, and other invertebrates. Their long, barbed tongue—capable of extending well beyond the bill—helps them extract insects from underground tunnels. scienceinsights.org

When insect availability drops in winter, flickers shift to fruits, berries, and seeds, including dogwood, sumac, wild cherry, grape, bayberry, hackberry, elderberry, sunflower, and thistle seeds. They may also forage in agricultural areas, feeding on pests such as corn borers, which can benefit farmers.

Breeding & Nesting

Northern Flickers nest in tree cavities, usually excavating their own, and both parents share incubation and feeding duties. They lay 5–8 white eggs, incubate for about 11–12 days, and the young fledge at around 3–4 weeks. Flickers often reuse or enlarge old cavities and will accept nest boxes. They typically raise one brood per year, though some southern birds may attempt two.