Northern flickers are large, brown woodpeckers with a handsome black-scalloped plumage, a spotted breast and a black bib. They are 12-14 inches in length and display a red "mustache" in males. The beak is slightly curved downward. In flight a distinctive white rump patch is visible.
Northern Flickers spend significant time on the ground foraging for insects such as ants and beetles. Their curved bill is excellent for digging in the soil. You might startle one while walking on Lace Lichen trail in the woods. In flight you will likely see the white on the rump.
It's barbed tongue is adapted to lapping up ants.
During mating season, male rivals show off to prospective females. Two males will face each other closely on a branch, point their bills upward and rhythmically bob their heads in the air. "Who is the fairest of them all?" they seem to say.
Photo by Yvonne Wright
Photo by Kim Forsberg
Northern Flicker relies on
Sun
Water
Nutrients