Birds diurnal

Northern Flicker

Colaptes auratus

A ground-dwelling woodpecker with a penchant for ants and a coat of many colors, the Northern Flicker is a backyard favorite. Its rhythmic 'wick-a-wick-a' call and sudden flashes of golden or crimson wings make it one of North America's most charismatic feathered visitors.

0 Sightings

0 Habitats

Quick Identification

straighten

Size

Length: 11–12 in (28–31 cm); Wingspan: 16.5–20 in (42–51 cm); Weight: 3.9–5.6 oz (110–160 g)

palette

Colors

Tan and grey body with bold black spots on the belly; black crescent bib on the upper chest; brown back with black horizontal bars. Subspecies show either yellow (East) or red (West) underwings. Males feature a black or red 'mustache' stripe.

visibility

Key Features

Large black crescent 'bib' on the upper breast
White rump patch highly visible during flight
Tan belly covered in bold black spots
Yellow or red shafts on flight feathers depending on region

When You’ll See Them

schedule

Activity pattern diurnal

brightness_5

Peak hours 6:30 AM – 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM

calendar_month

Season Year-round in many areas, but most active and visible during spring migration and breeding (March–June).

restaurant

Diet Primarily insectivorous, specializing in ants and beetles. They also consume berries, seeds, and nuts during winter months when insects are scarce.

park

Habitat Open woodlands, forest edges, suburban yards, parks, and occasionally meadows or marshes.

bar_chart
Loading activity data...

Behavior

The Northern Flicker is a unique member of the woodpecker family that spends a surprising amount of time on the ground. While most woodpeckers hammer away at tree trunks for larvae, Flickers specialize in hunting ants and beetles by probing the soil with their long, slightly curved bills. They are often seen hopping across lawns or open forest floors, using their sticky tongues—which can extend two inches past the tip of their beak—to lap up insects.

Socially, Flickers are known for their loud, ringing calls and rhythmic drumming, which they use to claim territory and attract mates. In the spring, you might hear them drumming on metal chimneys or gutters, as the resonance helps their message travel further. Though they are somewhat wary of humans, they are frequent visitors to suburban backyards, especially those with bird baths or suet feeders.

photo_camera EverydayEarth exclusive

Camera Tips

To capture the best footage of a Northern Flicker, think low. Unlike other woodpeckers that you’d look for high in the canopy, Flickers are ground-feeders. Place your AI-powered camera 1 to 2 feet off the ground, angled slightly downward toward a patch of short grass or a mulch bed. If you have an active anthill in your yard, that is the ultimate 'hotspot'—aim your camera there for incredible close-up foraging shots.

If you prefer a feeder setup, high-energy suet cakes are your best bet. Because Flickers are larger birds, use a suet cage with a tail-prop (a long wooden extension below the feeder) to help them balance comfortably. Position the camera about 3-5 feet away from the feeder to ensure the bird fits entirely in the frame, especially when it spreads its wings to show off those brilliant yellow or red shafts.

Water is another powerful lure. Flickers love a good bath, and because they are larger than songbirds, they prefer wider, shallow basins. Set your camera to 'Burst Mode' or high-frame-rate video. Flickers have a very rapid 'head-bobbing' motion while foraging and drinking, so a fast trigger speed is essential to avoid motion blur. Early morning light is ideal, as it highlights the iridescent quality of their feathers and the vibrant colors under their wings.

In the winter, try offering hulled sunflower seeds or peanuts on a platform feeder. During this time, they become less territorial and more focused on high-calorie treats. If you are using a trail camera in a more wooded area, look for 'drumming' trees—often dead snags with hollow cavities—and mount the camera at eye level on a neighboring tree to catch their territorial displays.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Northern Flicker.

Pileated Woodpecker

Much larger with a bright red crest and mostly black body, whereas the Flicker is smaller, brown-toned, and spotted.

Gilded Flicker

Almost identical but limited to desert habitats; it has yellow underwings but a cinnamon-colored crown.

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Has a zebra-striped back but lacks the Northern Flicker's black chest crescent and spotted belly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Northern Flickers are most active in the early morning, shortly after sunrise, and again in the late afternoon before dusk. During these times, they are most likely to be found foraging on the ground or calling from high branches.

To attract Northern Flickers, provide a high-quality suet feeder with a tail-prop board. They are also drawn to large, shallow bird baths and yards with healthy lawns where they can hunt for ants. Avoiding pesticides on your lawn will ensure they have a steady food source.

Their diet is primarily insects, specifically ants and beetles which they dig out of the ground. In the fall and winter, they supplement this with wild berries, seeds, and nuts like acorns or beech nuts.

Yes, Northern Flickers are very well-adapted to suburban environments. They thrive in backyards that offer a mix of open grass for feeding and nearby trees for nesting and protection.

The Northern Flicker is found across most of North America, while the Gilded Flicker is restricted to the desert Southwest. Gilded Flickers combine the yellow wing-shafts of the Eastern Northern Flicker with the red mustache and grey face of the Western Northern Flicker.

Record Northern Flicker at your habitat

Connect a camera to start building your own species record — AI identifies every visitor automatically.

Join free Identify a photo