
Northern Flicker
Explore the vibrant world of digger birds!

The Basics
Scientific Name
Colaptes auratus
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Location
North America
Average size
11 to 12 inches long
diet
Ants, beetles, seeds, fruits
lifespan
6 to 9 years
Let’s Explore
Overview
The Northern Flicker is a colorful bird you can find hopping around North America. This member of the woodpecker family is known for its unique brown speckled body and distinctive call that sounds like a musical 'wick-a-wick-a-wick.'
Northern Flickers typically grow to be about 28 to 30 centimeters long, which is around 11 to 12 inches. They enjoy snacking on tasty treats like ants, beetles, seeds, and fruits, making them true foodies of the bird world!
One cool fact about Northern Flickers is that they do not only clamber up tree trunks. Instead, they often feed on the ground, searching for insects and delicious seeds to munch on. This makes them quite different from many other woodpeckers, which prefer to stay high up in the trees.
Northern Flickers have a lifespan that ranges from 6 to 9 years in the wild. They make their homes in tree cavities, offering a cozy retreat for raising their young and keeping safe from predators.
This bird exhibits a variety of colors, including rich browns, blacks, and a splash of reddish-orange on the back of their heads. The Northern Flicker's beautiful plumage not only looks fantastic but also helps them blend into their surroundings while they search for food.
Where can you find a Northern Flicker in the wild?
What does a Northern Flicker eat?
How big can a Northern Flicker grow?
How long does a Northern Flicker typically live?
What is the conservation status of the Northern Flicker?
What are the main threats to the Northern Flicker?
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