The Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus) is a medium-sized woodpecker found widely distributed across most of North America. Among bird watchers, the Northern Flicker is easily recognizable from its distinctive plumage and habitat. However, one question that often arises is whether the Northern Flicker has a red head or not. This article will provide a quick answer to this question upfront – yes, the Northern Flicker does often display red feathers on its head, specifically on the nape. We will explore the details around this trait and discuss what other field marks can be used to identify a Northern Flicker.
Quick Answer
Yes, the Northern Flicker does often have red feathers on its head, specifically on the rear of the crown. This red coloration is part of the bird’s complex plumage pattern and can be a useful identification marker in the field. However, it is important to note that not all Northern Flickers will display red on the head. The amount of red present can vary considerably between individuals. The red head feathers are most vibrant and pronounced on adult male Northern Flickers during the breeding season. Outside of these conditions, the red may appear dull or be absent altogether on some birds. When paired with other features, however, the presence of any red on the head can be a good clue that you are observing a Northern Flicker.
Plumage and Field Marks
Northern Flickers are slim woodpeckers with long tails, short legs, and curved bills. Their plumage features a unique mix of colors and patterns:
- Backs are brown with heavy black spotting and barring.
- Underparts are beige or tan with black spots.
- Males have a black or red moustachial stripe.
- The head often shows some red on the nape.
- The rump is white.
- The tail has black shaft streaks on a brown background.
- The flight feathers are extensively marked with black.
There are over a dozen subspecies of Northern Flicker across its range, and plumage details can vary between these forms. However, the nape of red feathers on the back of the head occurs frequently enough to be considered a standard field mark for the species as a whole. The amount of red on an individual bird ranges from just a tinge to a very noticeable patch. On adult males during breeding condition, the red nape is typically at its most vibrant, forming a distinct solid bar. Outside breeding season and on females and juveniles, the red may appear duller or be very minimal. Geographic variation also occurs – birds in the east generally show more extensive red than western populations. When coupled with the other features noted above, however, any presence of red feathers on the rear crown can aid in identifying a sighting as a Northern Flicker.
Similar Species
The Northern Flicker occupies a broad habitat and over laps in range with several other woodpecker species. The red on the nape can help distinguish it from potential look-alikes:
Red-headed Woodpecker
The plumage of adult Red-headed Woodpeckers is dramatically different with entirely crimson heads, necks, and upper breasts. While juveniles have some black mixed with red on the head, they never show just a small rear patch like Northern Flickers. Red-headed Woodpeckers are also much more restricted in range mainly to midwestern states.
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Despite its name, the Red-bellied Woodpecker simply displays pale reddish-pink on the abdomen, never red on the head. The back is cleanly barred black-and-white without heavy spotting like the Northern Flicker. The range widely overlaps, but habitat preferences differ.
Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers
These two small look-alike species have simple black-and-white patterns without any red on the head. The key field mark separating them from the Northern Flicker is the presence of white outer tail feathers that are spotted with black – a pattern not seen in the other species.
Pileated Woodpecker
The Pileated Woodpecker is substantially larger with a heavy chisel-like bill. It shows just red on the face – no red on the rear crown. Its black plumage and white stripes on the face and neck are also distinctive compared to the Northern Flicker’s busy patterning.
Northern (Gilded) Flicker
The Northern Flicker has a southwestern counterpart – the Northern (Gilded) Flicker. The two were considered one species until recently split. The Gilded Flicker can be distinguished by its all red moustachial stripe and solidly red nape that connects completely to the bill. Northern Flickers show black or broken red in the moustache and the red typically does not reach the bill.
Behavioral Traits
In addition to visual identification, the behaviors of Northern Flickers can aid in distinguishing them from other woodpeckers and birds:
- Forages on the ground frequently – often seen walking and probing in open grassy areas.
- Flies with an undulating, buoyant flight on rapidly beating wings.
- Displays a characteristic underwing pattern in flight with flashing yellow underwings and white rump.
- Male performs a “wicka-wicka” territorial call and drumming display.
- Excavates nests in live or dead trees, utility poles, or the ground.
- Parental care duties are shared by both sexes.
- Migrates earlier in fall and later in spring than other woodpeckers.
The Northern Flicker’s foraging habits and flight style readily distinguish it from other North American woodpeckers. The combination of these behavioral clues and the presence of any red feathers on the nape can clinch the identification.
Habitat
Northern Flickers occupy a wider variety of habitats across North America than other woodpecker species. They occur in:
- Open woodlands
- Forest edges
- Parks
- Suburbs
- Riparian areas
- Orchards
- Pastures with scattered trees
Within these environments, they frequent more open, sparse woods rather than dense, mature forests. This habitat preference contributes to their likelihood of being spotted relative to more reclusive woodpecker species restricted to interior forest zones. Northern Flickers will vacate extremes of their breeding range in winter, but remain resident across much of the United States. These combined factors make them one of the most widely observable and recognizable woodpecker species across North America.
Diet
The Northern Flicker is omnivorous – its diet is quite varied depending on season and habitat. Major food items include:
- Insects – especially ants and beetles
- Berries
- Seeds
- Nuts
Its frequent ground foraging provides access to ants, which can make up over half of the adult diet. Nestlings are fed mostly insects. In fall and winter, Northern Flickers rely more heavily on plant foods. Their unique digestive system allows them to consume significant amounts of berries whole. This varied and flexible diet allows Northern Flickers to thrive across a diversity of habitats and seasons.
Breeding and Nesting
Northern Flickers nest in tree cavities, poles, or even the ground:
- Prefer holes 15-25 feet above ground, but will nest at any height in suitable tree.
- Usually excavate own nest cavity in soft or decaying wood.
- Will reuse old woodpecker holes or natural cavities.
- Lay 5-8 creamy white eggs.
- Incubation lasts 11-13 days.
- Young fledge in about 25-28 days.
- May raise one or two broods per year.
Both sexes assist with incubating eggs and feeding nestlings. Males establish breeding territories and attract females with “wicka” display calls and drumming on dry, resonant limbs or poles. The presence of red on the nape may help accentuate visual displays. Northern Flickers are less aggressive about defending nest sites than many woodpeckers but may still harass perceived threats. Identifying display, nesting, and feeding behaviors can provide additional clues to confirm Northern Flicker sightings.
Species Population and Conservation
According to the North American Breeding Bird Survey, Northern Flicker populations remained relatively stable between 1966-2015. They are still a common to abundant resident across much of the United States and Mexico. Estimated global breeding population is around 13 million birds. Some key reasons the species continues thriving:
- Adaptability to human-altered habitats – urban parks, golf courses, etc.
- Not reliant on large mature forest tracts.
- Generalist diet.
- Benefits from trees killed by disease, wildfire, logging, etc which create future nest sites.
A major threat is competition for nest cavities with non-native Starlings. But Northern Flickers are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and overall remain widespread and secure. Providing snags (dead trees) across fragmented habitat helps sustain breeding populations. While common, Northern Flickers are iconic woodpeckers that brighten any outdoor environment with their handsome plumage and active behaviors.
Conclusion
The Northern Flicker does often display red feathers on the rear crown, specifically the nape region. This trait can be a handy field mark to identify this otherwise distinctly-patterned woodpecker species. The red is usually most vibrant on adult male Northern Flickers but may appear duller or even absent on females and during non-breeding seasons. The presence of any red on the head when paired with the spotted underparts, black moustache, white rump, and undulating flight should point to a positive Northern Flicker sighting. Paying attention to habitat preferences, behaviors, and calls can provide further confirmation. While many woodpeckers are specialized forest inhabitants, the adaptable Northern Flicker thrives among humans across backyards, parks, and other open habitats. Their handsome plumage and energetic personalities will reward any observer who takes the time to appreciate this unique woodpecker species.