The Northern Flicker is a medium-sized woodpecker found across much of North America. While widespread, Flickers are less common than other woodpeckers in many areas. So are Northern Flickers rare? Here is a quick overview:
Range and Population
The Northern Flicker has an extremely large range across North America. Its breeding grounds extend across Canada and the United States, as far north as Alaska and all the way south to Central America. Its total population is estimated at over 13 million birds. So while not as abundant as species like the Downy Woodpecker, the Northern Flicker has a stable population across its widespread range.
Habitat
Northern Flickers inhabit open woodlands, forest edges, orchards, parks, and rural areas with scattered trees. They are adaptable and can thrive in wooded habitats modified by humans, as long as some large dead trees remain for nesting. Their ability to inhabit human-altered environments makes Flickers more common than woodpeckers dependent on dense, mature forests.
Comparison to Other Woodpeckers
The Northern Flicker is one of the most common woodpeckers across much of North America. For example, it is twice as abundant as the Red-headed Woodpecker across their overlapping ranges. However, Flickers are outnumbered by woodpeckers like the Downy Woodpecker in eastern forests and the Red-naped Sapsucker in western mountains. But they occupy broader habitats than most woodpecker species.
Regional Variation
Northern Flicker populations are stable continent-wide, but they do face regional declines. Flickers have disappeared from some Eastern forests due to competition with European Starlings for nest cavities. Their numbers have also decreased in Western mountain pine forests impacted by beetle infestations. However, Flickers remain common over most of their range.
Status and Conservation
The Northern Flicker is currently classified as a species of Least Concern by the IUCN. Its continental population remains in the tens of millions and it occupies diverse habitats across a vast range. While regional threats exist, they are not significant enough to threaten the overall stability of the Northern Flicker population currently or in the foreseeable future.
Conclusion
In summary, the Northern Flicker is one of the most widespread and adaptable woodpecker species in North America. While less abundant than some woodpeckers in certain habitats, Northern Flicker populations remain stable across most of their range. Regionally, they may face local declines and competition for resources. But overall, the Northern Flicker is a common bird and not considered rare continent-wide. They are expected to maintain healthy populations into the future through their flexible habitat use.
Northern Flicker Identification
The Northern Flicker is a medium-sized woodpecker measuring 11-14 inches in length with a wingspan of 18-22 inches. Here are some key identification features:
- Grayish-brown upperparts with black barring
- Tan or peach colored underparts with black spots
- Male has a black or red mustache stripe
- Yellow or salmon undertail coverts form a patch on the rump
- Long slightly downward curved bill
In flight, look for the white rump patch which is noticeable as the bird bounds away in an undulating flight pattern. Northern Flickers drum loudly and have a sharp “wicka-wicka” call. They are often seen foraging on the ground for ants and insects.
Northern Flicker Behavior
Here are some interesting facts about the behavior of Northern Flickers:
- Flickers forage primarily on the ground for ants and beetles.
- They use their long tongue to lap up ants deep inside anthills.
- Northern Flickers excavate nest cavities in dead trees using their strong bills.
- Pairs return to the same nest site in consecutive years if it remains usable.
- This species migrates during the winter across most of Canada and the northern U.S.
- Flickers exhibit an undulating flight pattern and make a loud “wicka-wicka” call in flight.
- They are known to drum loudly and rapidly on metal objects that amplify the sound.
Northern Flicker Habitat
The Northern Flicker can be found in a variety of open woodland habitats across North America including:
- Open forests and woodlands
- Forest edges and clearings
- Pine savannas
- Semi-open country with scattered trees
- Parks and suburban areas
- Orchards and groves
Flickers prefer areas with large dead trees, which provide ideal nesting cavities. They also favor habitats with exposed ground allowing them to forage on ants. In western mountain forests, flickers concentrate along forest streamsides. In winter, they often visit backyard feeders.
Northern Flicker Diet
The Northern Flicker is omnivorous and has a varied diet consisting of:
- Ants – Makes up over 2/3 of diet, especially carpenter ants
- Beetles
- Caterpillars and other insect larvae
- Termites
- Grasshoppers
- Crickets
- Spiders and snails
- Seeds and berries
Flickers forage primarily on the ground probing for ants deep in anthills using their long sticky tongues. They also dig through decaying wood and vegetation for insects. Flickers occasionally visit bird feeders for seeds and fruits.
Northern Flicker Threats
Some potential threats and risks facing Northern Flicker populations include:
- Habitat loss – Loss of forests reduces nest sites.
- Nest competition – With European Starlings for cavity nest sites.
- Insecticide use – Reduces ant populations, a key food source.
- Climate change – Increased severe weather harms breeding success.
- West Nile Virus – Flickers are susceptible to this disease.
- Vehicle collisions – Flickers often forage on roads.
- Predators – Hawks, falcons, squirrels, raccoons, snakes prey on adults, eggs and nestlings.
However, Flicker populations remain stable likely due to their ability to adapt to human-modified habitats if dead tree snags are present for nesting.
Northern Flicker Nesting
Here are some key facts about Northern Flicker nesting biology:
- Cavity nesters – Excavate own nest holes in dead trees
- Lay 5-8 white eggs
- Incubation lasts 11-13 days
- Chicks fledge in 25-28 days
- Males assist with incubating and feeding chicks
- Old nest cavities reused for up to 15 years
- Aggressive in defending nest sites
Flickers require dead trees in open habitats for nesting. They return to successful sites in consecutive years. The male and female both excavate the nest cavity over 1-2 weeks. They may use various communication behaviors during the excavation process.
Northern Flicker Migration
- Northern populations are migratory
- Breed across Canada, Alaska and Northern U.S.
- Migrate in winter to Central and Southern U.S., Mexico
- Some southern populations are non-migratory
- Irrupt in winter outside normal range at times
Northern Flickers that breed in Canada and the northern U.S. migrate south to the United States and Mexico for the winter. Flickers are short-distance migrants with multiple overlapping populations. In irruption years, they occasionally wander farther than normal in winter.
Fun Facts about Northern Flickers
Here are some interesting and fun facts about the Northern Flicker:
- Also known as Yellowhammer or Common Flicker
- State bird of Alabama
- Unique downward curved bill adapted for digging
- Salmon-colored feathers under wings and tail
- Large white rump patch visible during flight
- Known to “drum” on metal to amplify sound
- Often forages on ant colonies on the ground
- Can excavate a nest cavity in about 2 weeks
- Male and female cooperate in rearing young
- Anting behavior – uses ants to rid feathers of parasites
The Northern Flicker is a fascinating woodpecker – well equipped for digging and adapting to human activity. Watch for these brown woodpeckers with flashes of color foraging on lawns and woodland edges across North America!
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Northern Flicker is one of the most common and recognizable woodpeckers across much of North America. While they face some regional threats, Flicker populations remain stable overall due to their ability to thrive in human-modified habitats. Northern Flickers are not currently at risk of becoming rare or endangered on a continental scale. But they do face local declines in parts of their range. Protecting dead trees in open habitats can help provide the crucial nesting sites required by these unique woodpeckers. Their colorful plumage and interesting behaviors will likely continue to fascinate birdwatchers across the continent.