The Northern Flicker

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The Northern Flicker
The Northern Flicker

The northern flicker, aka common flicker, boreal flicker, Cuban flicker, gilded flicker, yellowhammer, yellow-shafted flicker, gilded woodpecker, golden-winged woodpecker, and many more, can be found from Alaska, down through Canada, United States, Cayman Islands, Cuba, Saint Pierre, Miquelon, and Mexico. These birds have a large population but are decreasing in numbers due, in part, to habitat loss. They are listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.

First the Stats...

Scientific name: Colaptes auratus
Weight: Up to 4.2 ounces
Length: Up to 14 inches
Wingspan: Up to 21 inches
Lifespan: Up to 9 years

Now on to the Facts!

1.) A group of flickers is called a drumming or descent.

2.) They prefer open habitats close to trees, woodlands, groves, clearings, forest edges, burnt areas, agricultural lands, parks, yards, wet areas like stream-side woodlands, flooded swamps, mangrove vegetation, and the edges of marshes.

3.) Northern flickers are diurnal (active during the day).

4.) Foraging usually takes place on the ground, alone, in pairs, or in small descents.

5.) These birds will sometimes coexist with sparrows and blackbirds.

But wait, there's more on the northern flicker!

6.) They communicate via a loud, long "ki ki ki ki." They also drum on metal objects and trees to denote territory.

7.) Being omnivores (eat plant and animal matter), these critters feast on ants, butterflies, moths, flies, beetles, and snails.

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Taken on: April 27, 2023
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