The Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus) is a medium-sized woodpecker found across much of North America. They are brown-barred and have flashes of yellow and red on their wings and tail. Their most distinctive field mark is the large black crescent on their breast. Northern Flickers are often seen foraging on the ground, using their curved bill to probe for ants and other insects. They are found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, parks, and suburban areas. But where are the best places to observe these striking birds? Here are some tips on where and when to look for Northern Flickers.
Look in open woodlands
Northern Flickers prefer open woodlands with scattered large trees and snags interspersed with grassy areas. The openness allows them to hunt on the ground, while the trees provide nesting cavities. Some ideal habitats to find Northern Flickers include:
- Oak savannas
- Pine barrens
- Recently logged or burned forest areas with remaining snags
- Riparian woodlands along streams
- Parks and green spaces with mature trees
Listen for the loud, repetitive call of the Northern Flicker as you walk through these open woodland areas. Also watch for their undulating flight as they move between perches. Slowly wandering through the woods will increase your chances of spotting one foraging on the forest floor.
Check the edges
Northern Flickers often feed and nest along habitat edges and ecotones. Transition zones between forest and open areas allow flickers access to their preferred mix of trees and ground space. Some productive edge habitats include:
- Forest clearings and openings
- Along the borders of woods and fields
- Where the woods meet a wetland or stream
- Backyard woodlots
- Hedgerows and fencerows
- Tree lines between habitats
Position yourself so you can scan both the open area and the forest edge. Flickers may fly across the opening or work their way along the ground probing for food. You’re also more likely to find Northern Flicker nest cavities in trees along habitat margins.
Visit open rural areas
Although they inhabit forests, Northern Flickers also utilize more open rural areas. Look for them in some of these rural habitats:
- Large open fields with scattered trees, utility poles, or fences
- Pastures and meadows with brushy hedgerows
- Golf courses
- Rural residential areas
- Orchards
- Rural parks and cemeteries
Flickers perch on poles, wires, fence posts, and other elevated perches as they watch for prey moving below. Check any snags or dead trees in these areas for nesting cavities. Also listen for their loud calls and hammering as they excavate their nest holes.
Visit suburban parks and yards
As an adaptable species, Northern Flickers have learned to thrive around humans. They are regulars in suburban parks, greenspaces, and backyards that provide a mix of trees, short grass, and bare dirt. Some ideal suburban habitats include:
- Parks and golf courses
- School grounds
- Backyards with large trees
- Vacant lots and fields
- Boulevards and greenspaces with scattered trees
Northern Flickersblend in well in these areas, often going unnoticed as they forage unobtrusively on the ground. But watch for their white rump patch flashing as they fly between perches. Also listen for their loud calls and drumming on metal chimney caps and roofs. Offering nest boxes may entice Northern Flickers into your backyard.
Seasonal considerations
When you’re most likely to see Northern Flickers depends partly on the season:
Spring
Spring is high breeding season for Northern Flickers. As they start establishing nesting territories in March and April, males can be heard calling loudly and drumming to attract females. They also engage in aerial displays and confrontations with competing males. Finding a calling or drumming male is a good way to locate nest sites.
Summer
In summer, recently fledged young follow their parents around and beg loudly for food. Listen for these begging calls coming from family groups in woodland areas. Young flickers have duller plumage and a shorter tail.
Fall
Migrants from farther north begin arriving in September, increasing local populations of flickers through October. Higher numbers make them easier to find before most depart for their wintering grounds. Also watch for loose flocks, often with other woodpecker species like sapsuckers.
Winter
Northern Flicker numbers decline in winter in the northern parts of their range as most migrate south. But they can still be found year-round in sheltered woods in southern areas and near feeders stocked with suet.
Food resources
Northern Flickers primarily eat ants and beetles, and are strongly attracted by food resources. Some productive sites include:
- Berry trees and shrubs where insects congregate
- Brush piles which attract ants
- Compost bins full of insects
- Animal burrows where rodents stir up insects
- Animal dung which draws beetles
- Suet feeders stocked with nut butter and mealworms
Setting up a feeding station with suet can be a great way to consistently draw Northern Flickers into view.
Ideal viewing spots by region
Here are some ideal public lands and wildlife refuges to look for Northern Flickers region by region:
West
- Malheur National Wildlife Refuge (Oregon)
- San Juan Islands National Wildlife Refuge (Washington)
- Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge (Idaho)
- Flathead National Forest (Montana)
- Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona)
Midwest
- Superior National Forest (Minnesota)
- Necedah National Wildlife Refuge (Wisconsin)
- Shawnee National Forest (Illinois)
- Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve (Kansas)
- Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge (Ohio)
Northeast
- Green Mountain National Forest (Vermont)
- Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge (New York)
- Parker River National Wildlife Refuge (Massachusetts)
- Allegheny National Forest (Pennsylvania)
- Shenandoah National Park (Virginia)
Southeast
- Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge (Georgia)
- Francis Marion National Forest (South Carolina)
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Tennessee/North Carolina)
- St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge (Florida)
- Sabine National Wildlife Refuge (Louisiana)
Southwest
- Saguaro National Park (Arizona)
- Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge (New Mexico)
- Guadalupe Mountains National Park (Texas)
- Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge (Oklahoma)
- Zion National Park (Utah)
Tips for successful viewing
Here are some tips to improve your chances of observing Northern Flickers:
- Get out early in the morning when flickers are most active.
- Walk slowly and pause frequently when birding woodland areas.
- Listen for their loud calls and drumming.
- Scan treetops and telephone poles for perched birds.
- Check the ground about 20-30 feet in front of you as you walk.
- Look for flickers flying across clearings or roads.
- Use binoculars and move slowly to get good views.
- A spotting scope can help observe details like the black bib.
- Visit productive areas repeatedly to learn where flickers live.
With persistence and knowledge of their habitat, getting a good look at a Northern Flicker is an achievable goal for any birder. Their bright plumage and energetic behavior make them a delight to watch. So explore some likely flicker spots and enjoy observing these iconic woodpeckers!
Conclusion
The Northern Flicker is a widespread woodpecker that inhabits open woods, edges, rural areas, parks, and suburbs across North America. The key to finding them is focusing on their preferred habitat of scattered trees interspersed with openings. Prime spots include open woodlands, habitat edges and ecotones, rural areas with trees and fences, and suburban parks and yards. Season, food resources, and region all impact where flickers occur. With field experience in favored habitats, anyone can become skilled at locating these conspicuous woodpeckers. Their loud calls, undulating flight, and flashy plumage make the Northern Flicker a treat to observe.