Northern Flicker
Another bird that I see once in a while strolling my backyard is the Northern Flicker. Is a medium-sized member of the woodpecker family. It is native to most of North America, parts of Central America, Cuba, the Cayman Islands, and is one of the few woodpecker species that migrate.
Northern Flicker
This bird has a powerful long pointy bill, brownish body with darks dots all over its body. It has a gold head, underwing feathers and under tail. Also has a red chevron shaped patch at the nape of its neck. It has a crescent shaped black patch on upper part of its breast. Feeds mostly from the ground and it’s omnivorous.
My observations of this bird were the following:
This woodpecker walks at fast pace and does little flying, uses its long bill to poke hard the ground in other to get worms, grubs or any insect on the ground or in the ground. Prefers to feed in places near streams where I inferred that the soil is wetter and most likely to have worms or other invertebrates.
Click on images to see enlargements
Text and photographs © H.J. Ruiz – Avian 101
H.J. Ruiz - Avian101 
Nice photos, H.J.
Thank you very much Bob! 🙂
Here on a lawn in southeastern PA, the northern flicker helps clean up the grubs and ants. A gorgeous bird, one of my favorites!
You’re right Scott they walk around and eat like a pig! 🙂 It’s a handsome bird and colorful too! Thanks for your comment 🙂
The Northern Flickers have been very active along my bluebird route trail in the forest this year. They are so lovely when the golden underside of their wings are visible! Their call is very loud and characteristic. Nice photos.
Thanks Annie! Appreciate your comment! 🙂
Nice crisp and bright photos!
Thank you for your nice comment! 🙂
Love the contrast differences in this bird, great shots. And love the info you provide, I’m learning as you post! Thanks HJ!
Thanks a lot Donna! I’m glad. 🙂
They’re pretty.
They are very handsome birds!:)