Bird’s ID – Northern Flicker | H.J. Ruiz

Bird’s ID – Northern Flicker

Northern Flicker

The Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus) is a medium-sized bird of the woodpecker family. It is native to most of North America, parts of Central America, Cuba, and the Cayman Islands, and is one of the few woodpecker species that migrate.

Adults are brown with black bars on the back and wings. A mid- to large-sized woodpecker measures 28–36 cm (11–14 in) in length and 42–54 cm (17–21 in) in wingspan. The body mass can vary from 86 to 167 g (3.0 to 5.9 oz). Among standard scientific measurements, the wing bone measures 12.2–17.1 cm (4.8–6.7 in), the tail measures 7.5–11.5 cm (3.0–4.5 in), the bill measures 2.2–4.3 cm (0.87–1.69 in) and the tarsus measures 2.2–3.1 cm (0.87–1.22 in). The largest-bodied specimens are from the northern stretches of the species range, at the latitude of Alaska and Labrador, while the smallest specimens come from Grand Cayman Island. A necklace-like black patch occupies the upper breast, while the lower breast and belly are beige with black spots. Males can be identified by a black or red moustachial stripe at the base of the beak. The tail is dark on top, transitioning to a white rump which is conspicuous in flight. Subspecific plumage is variable.

Flickers may be observed in open habitats near trees, including woodlands, edges, yards, and parks. In the western United States, one can find them in mountain forests all the way up to tree line. Northern flickers generally nest in holes in trees like other woodpeckers. Occasionally, they have been found nesting in old, earthen burrows vacated by belted kingfishers or bank swallows. Both sexes help with nest excavation.

Their breeding habitat consists of forested areas across North America and as far south as Central America. They are cavity nesters which typically nest in trees, but they also use posts and birdhouses if sized and situated appropriately. They prefer to excavate their own home, although they reuse and repair damaged or abandoned nests. Abandoned flicker nests create habitat for other cavity nesters. Flickers are sometimes driven from nesting sites by another cavity nester, the European Starling.

Photo Gallery

Tags: Bird's ID, birding, birds, Interesting information, Northern Flicker, photography, photos of birds

8 thoughts on “Bird’s ID – Northern Flicker”

silviadeangelis40d on May 1, 2019 at 6:49 am said:

Spicca nel verde, questo prezioso volatile
Un saluto,silvia

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- H.J. for avian101 on May 1, 2019 at 5:52 pm said:
  
  Grazie mille. Un saluto. 🙂
  
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Indira on May 1, 2019 at 12:22 pm said:

This is a beautiful specimen!!

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- H.J. for avian101 on May 1, 2019 at 5:53 pm said:
  
  Yes, it is, Indira. Thank you. 🙂
  
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de Wets Wild on May 1, 2019 at 10:55 pm said:

Very similar both in body shape and habits to our own Ground Woodpecker!

https://dewetswild.com/2017/01/03/ground-woodpecker/

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- H.J. for avian101 on May 2, 2019 at 7:36 pm said:
  
  You are right, I’m sure these must be relatives somehow. Thanks D. 🙂
  
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bayphotosbydonna on May 2, 2019 at 4:45 pm said:

Wonderful gallery, HJ! 🙂

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- H.J. for avian101 on May 2, 2019 at 8:04 pm said:
  
  These photos I shot in my backyard a few years back. I wish the flickers come back. Thanks. Donna. 🙂
  
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H.J. Ruiz – Avian101