Northern Flicker

About the Northern Flicker

The Northern Flicker is a large, brown woodpecker with bold black spots on its chest and a white patch on its rump that flashes in flight. Unlike many woodpeckers, flickers often feed on the ground, using their long, slightly curved bill to probe for ants and insects. Their bright underwing and tail feathers add a colorful surprise when they take off.

Fun Facts

• Ground Feeder: Northern Flickers eat large numbers of ants and are commonly seen foraging on lawns and open fields.
• Flash of Color: In flight, they show bright yellow (in the East) or red (in the West) under their wings and tail.
• Loud Call: Their ringing wick-a-wick-a-wick call often gives them away before you see them.
• Woodpecker with a Twist: Although they are woodpeckers, they spend more time on the ground than most other species in the family.