Northern Flicker

Brownish upperparts barred with black, a spotted breast with a prominent black crescent, and a white rump visible in flight. This individual shows red malan stripes (mustache), indicating it is a male of the red-shafted form (or a hybrid between red-shafted and yellow-shafted forms, which often display mixed characteristics like a red nape and red malars).

Black crescent on the chest, spotted underparts, barred brown back, and a white rump patch noticeable during flight.

Length: 28-31 cm (11-12 in), Wingspan: 42-54 cm (16.5-21.3 in), Weight: 110-160 g (3.9-5.6 oz)

A loud, piercing, rolling 'wick-wick-wick-wick' call and a sustained, rhythmic drumming.

Primarily eats ants and beetles, which it captures by probing the ground with its long, barbed tongue. It also consumes fruits, berries, and seeds during the fall and winter.

Open woodlands, forest edges, yards, parks, and agricultural areas with scattered trees.

Partial migrant. Northern populations are migratory, moving south for winter, while western and southern populations are largely year-round residents.

Excavates cavities in dead or dying trees, utility poles, or wooden structures. Lays 5 to 8 white eggs in a clutch. Both parents incubate the eggs and feed the young.

Red-bellied Woodpecker and Gilded Flicker, but distinguished by the extensive black barring on the back, spotted underparts, and black breast crescent.

Acts as a keystone species by excavating tree cavities that are later used by numerous other birds and small mammals for nesting and roosting. They also help control ant and beetle populations.

Least Concern, with stable or slightly declining populations.

Look for them hopping around on lawns searching for ants, or listen for their loud, ringing calls and rhythmic drumming on dead trees or metal structures.

Unlike most other woodpeckers, Northern Flickers spend a large amount of time foraging directly on the ground rather than climbing tree trunks.