Northern Flicker

     Our featured feathered friend today is the Northern Flicker.  The second largest woodpecker behind the Pileated, they can be found all across North America.  Flickers are the only woodpeckers that frequently feed on the ground.  Although they eat fruits, berries, seeds and nuts, insects are their main food source.  Ants alone can make up half of their diet.  Northern Flickers are brownish overall with a white rump patch.  Their backs are pale brown with thin black barring.  They have a crescent-shaped black bib on the breast with bold black spots on the belly.  There are other markings depending on which group they belong to.

          **  The Red-Shafted Flicker resides in western North America.  This group has red under the wings and tail.  They have a beige cap (top of the head) with a grey nape (back of the head).  Males have a red moustachial stripe.

          **  The Yellow-Shafted Flicker resides in eastern North America.  This group has yellow under the wings and tail.  They have a grey cap with a red patch on their nape.  Males have a black moustachial stripe.  Known as the "Yellowhammer", the Northern Flicker from this group is the state bird of Alabama.

      Females lack a moustachial stripe however, juvenile males from either group have an orange mustache.

     Flickers visit our backyard occasionally, usually just to get a drink.  Sometimes we'll see them tucked into the shrubbery eating berries.  A beautiful bird, enjoy these photos of the Northern Flicker.....tweet.....tweet!! 

Northern Flicker (Male)
(Taken 1/4/11, Our Backyard)



Northern Flicker (Female)
(Taken 5/20/12, Our Backyard)

http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Flicker/id