Quick Answer
Yes, Northern Flickers are found throughout Washington state. The Northern Flicker is a common woodpecker species that inhabits forests, woodlands, and suburban areas across much of North America. In Washington, Northern Flickers can be found year-round and they are considered a permanent resident species.
Northern Flicker Overview
The Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus) is a large, brown woodpecker measuring 11-14 inches in length with a wingspan of 18-22 inches. They have a brown back with black spots and barred black and white rump feathers. Their underparts are brown with black spots and they have a black breastpatch.
Northern Flickers have a distinct white rump patch that is visible during flight. Their tail feathers are black with yellow or salmon-colored shafts. The male Northern Flickers have a black or red mustache stripe, while females have a gray or tan mustache stripe.
These woodpeckers drum loudly on trees and objects to declare territory and attract mates. They also make a loud, repetitive call that sounds like “wicka-wicka-wicka.” Northern Flickers eat primarily ants and beetles, jabbing their long tongue into the ground or trees to lap up the insects. They also eat seeds, fruits, and berries.
Range and Habitat
The Northern Flicker is found across much of North America. Their breeding range stretches from Alaska and Canada south throughout most of the continental United States. Northern Flickers migrate short distances or not at all meaning they can be permanent residents across their range.
These woodpeckers inhabit open woodlands, forests, suburbs, parks, and backyards. They prefer areas with scattered trees, clearings, and little underbrush. Northern Flickers nest in tree cavities but will also readily use nest boxes.
Northern Flickers in Washington
Northern Flickers are common, year-round residents across Washington state. They are found west of the Cascades crest and east of the Cascades in appropriate habitat.
West of the Cascades
West of the Cascade Mountains, Northern Flickers are most abundant in open Ponderosa pine and oak woodlands. They also inhabit mixed coniferous forests, riparian areas, and suburban neighborhoods with large trees.
Some key areas to spot Northern Flickers west of the Cascades include:
- Oak woodlands in the Puget Trough
- Pine-oak habitats in the Willamette Valley
- Ponderosa pine forests of the southeastern Olympic Peninsula
- Riparian forests along major rivers like the Columbia and Snake
- Lowland forests, suburban parks, and wooded neighborhoods throughout western Washington
East of the Cascades
East of the Cascades, Northern Flickers are common in open ponderosa pine forests, riparian woodlands, aspen groves, and mixed coniferous forests. Good locations to find them include:
- Ponderosa pine forests of the Okanogan Highlands
- Riparian cottonwood and willow forests along rivers
- Aspen groves around high mountain meadows
- Scattered pine woodlands of the Columbia Basin
- Mixed coniferous forests of higher elevations
Northern Flickers are numerous around human settlements east of the Cascades. They readily come to backyard feeders and nest in cavities provided by homes and other buildings.
Population and Conservation Status
The Northern Flicker has an extremely large range and stable population. Partners in Flight estimates their global breeding population at 13 million with 67% spending part of the year in the U.S., 39% in Canada, and 6% in Mexico.
Northern Flicker populations are not experiencing significant threats across their range. They adapt readily to human activities and urbanization provided some mature trees remain. The clearing of forests with snags and cavities may limit nest sites in some regions. Overall the Northern Flicker is considered a species of Least Concern by the IUCN Red List.
Trends in Washington
Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) data indicates Northern Flickers are common and increasing in Washington:
- BBS surveys between 1966-2015 show a survey-wide increase of 1.41% per year
- Washington BBS routes show an increase of 2.3% per year from 1968-2015
Christmas Bird Counts coordinated by Audubon in Washington reveal stable winter populations between 1975-2017. Northern Flickers are not on Washington state’s list of Species of Greatest Conservation Need. Their high abundance and adaptability make them a species with minimal conservation concerns across the state.
When and Where to See Northern Flickers
The Northern Flicker is present year-round across most of Washington state. They can be spotted foraging in open habitats or heard giving their loud calls throughout the seasons.
Here is more information on the best times and locations:
Time of Year
- Winter – Northern Flickers are active year-round and can be seen at feeders and foraging on mild winter days.
- Spring – The breeding season begins as early as February when loud territorial drumming and calls can be heard. Nest cavities are excavated in March and April.
- Summer – Northern Flickers can be spotted bringing food to their young in nest cavities from May to July.
- Fall – Northern Flickers migrate short distances or not at all. They are common in fall and winter flocks with other woodpeckers.
Prime Locations
Some of the best places in Washington to observe Northern Flickers include:
- Oak woodlands in the Puget lowlands and along southeastern rivers
- Ponderosa pine forests on the east slope of the Cascades and southeastern Olympic Peninsula
- Riparian forests along the major rivers on the west and east sides
- Mountain meadows with aspen groves
- Backyards with mature trees throughout the state
- City and suburban parks, neighborhoods, and golf courses
Attracting Northern Flickers
Northern Flickers will visit backyard bird feeders and nest boxes. Here are some tips to attract them:
- Put up a nest box with a 1.5-2 inch diameter entrance hole 6-30 feet above ground.
- Offer suet feeders, nut feeders, or platform feeders with sunflower seeds, cracked nuts, and mealworms.
- Create a brush pile to provide cover for ant colonies and beetle larvae they prey on.
- Plant native berry bushes like sumac, dogwood, and serviceberry.
- Reduce use of pesticides that kill the ants and beetles they feed on.
Ideal Nest Box and Feeder Locations
- Place nest boxes and feeders near trees, fence posts, or sturdy poles in semi-open areas.
- Face the nest box entrance away from prevailing winds and direct sun.
- Situate feeders 10-15 feet from bushes or shrubs to provide quick cover.
With proper habitat and a few bird-friendly features, you can readily attract Northern Flickers to your yard.
Fun Facts about Northern Flickers
Here are some interesting tidbits about these handsome woodpeckers:
- Northern Flickers eat more ants than any other North American bird species.
- They use their long tongues to reach ants deep underground. Their tongues can extend over 5 inches beyond the end of their bills.
- You can identify the males by their black or red mustache stripes versus the gray or tan mustache stripes on females.
- Northern Flicker nestlings grow incredibly fast, nearly doubling their weight from hatching to fledging.
- These woodpeckers often reuse nest cavities from previous years.
- They breed as young as one year old and may mate for life.
- Northern Flickers migrate during the day so they can feed along the way. Their migrations are usually short distances up and down the coasts.
- You can attract Northern Flickers to your yard with suet, peanut hearts, mealworms, and sunflower seeds.
Conclusion
Northern Flickers are stunning woodpeckers that bring their vibrant plumage, loud calls, and enthusiastic drumming to backyards and forests across Washington. Watch for their white rump patches as they fly between trees and try to spot their feeding holes in lawns or dirt beds. Attracting these birds is easy with nest boxes and suet or nut feeders. Grab your binoculars and listen for the “wicka-wicka-wicka” call to find Northern Flickers brightening up the woods near you.