Quick Answer
Yes, Northern Flickers do eat at bird feeders. They are primarily ground-feeding birds that prefer ants and other insects, but they will also visit platform feeders stocked with seeds, suet, peanuts, and fruit. Platform feeders placed on a pole or post near trees provide good perches for these large woodpeckers.
Do Northern Flickers Use Bird Feeders?
Northern Flickers are large, striking woodpeckers found throughout most of North America. Their brown backs and spotted bellies make them easy to identify. Although they spend much of their time foraging on the ground for ants, they will also visit platform bird feeders to supplement their diet.
Here are some key facts about Northern Flickers and bird feeders:
They Prefer Platform Feeders
Northern Flickers perch and cling vertically like most woodpeckers. Their unique feeding style and large size make platform feeders ideal. Platform feeders have a wide, flat surface for perching while feeding. Pole-mounted platform feeders near trees provide the best access for Northern Flickers.
They Like Suet and Peanuts
Suet and peanuts are high in fat and protein, making them excellent energy sources for these busy birds. Suet feeders should have tail props to make balancing easier for flickers. Look for suet feeders with large mesh to allow them to cling while feeding.
They Will Also Eat Seeds and Fruit
Although not their preferred foods, Northern Flickers will eat black oil sunflower seeds, cracked corn, millet, and other seeds from platform feeders. They also enjoy diced fruit like apples, oranges, and bananas. Offer a variety of foods to appeal to them.
Water is Appreciated
A shallow bird bath or fountain near your feeders provides drinking and bathing water for Northern Flickers and other birds. They prefer baths they can perch on the edges of while soaking their feathers.
Feeders Should Be Elevated
Platform feeders work best for flickers when elevated 5-6 feet or more above ground. This allows them to perch and feed while watching for dangers. It also protects the food from squirrels and larger ground animals.
What Do Northern Flickers Eat?
Northern Flickers are omnivorous, feeding on both plant and animal material. Their diverse diet includes:
Ants and Other Insects
Ants and beetles make up over half of the Northern Flicker’s diet. Their long tongue allows them to lap up ants deep in their tunnels. They also eat beetles, termites, caterpillars, and other insects.
Seeds and Berries
Northern Flickers supplement their insect diet with seeds and fruit. They prefer sunflower seeds, peanuts, wild berries, and pine nuts. At feeders, they also eat millet, cracked corn, and mixed seed blends.
Nuts and Acorn
These woodpeckers will hammer away at acorns and nuts to access the meat inside the shells. Pecans, almonds, walnuts, and hazelnuts are favorites when available.
Fruit and Berries
In the summer and fall, Northern Flickers eat wild fruits and berries. Plums, cherries, grapes, sumac, dogwood, and poison ivy berries provide important carbohydrates.
Sap
Northern Flickers drill sap wells into trees to drink the sap. Maples, birches, and willows are common sap sources. The sap provides sugars and nutrients.
Grit
Flickers ingest sand, gravel, and crushed shells. These gritty materials are retained in their gizzard and help grind up and digest their food, especially hard nuts and seeds.
Northern Flicker Behavior at Feeders
Watching Northern Flickers at your bird feeders can provide great entertainment. Here are some of the common behaviors you may observe:
Approach Cautiously
Northern Flickers are wary birds and will carefully survey the area before approaching feeders. They may perch nearby or fly to a tree first to check for danger.
Feed Energetically
Once at feeders, flickers will hammer away and gorge themselves. They can consume a lot of food quickly with their powerful beaks and long tongues. It’s common to see shell fragments scatter below as they feed.
Show Territorial Behavior
Flickers are highly territorial and defend their feeding spaces. Much like woodpeckers defend trees, they will guard favored feeders. Watch for aggressive actions toward other birds.
Feed from Ledges
Platform feeders allow flickers to grasp the edges with their feet while clinging vertically. Watching them balance and feed in this position shows their specialized woodpecker adaptations.
Spread Wing to Maintain Balance
Northern Flickers often spread one wing out to the side while perched on feeders to help maintain stability. The wing counterbalances their body weight.
Stop Feeding to Check Surroundings
Flickers are very observant birds. They will periodically stop feeding to check their surroundings. You may see them tallpost or turn their head to watch for potential danger while feeding.
Fly Off Abruptly
When flickers decide to leave feeders, they typically fly off without hesitation in rapid, undulating flight. Their strong pointed wings provide swift acceleration.
Attracting Northern Flickers to Feeders
Here are some tips to attract Northern Flickers to your backyard feeders:
Place Feeders Near Trees
Locate platform feeders within about 10-20 feet of large trees. Flickers prefer feeding near protective cover where they can quickly take refuge.
Offer Suet and Peanuts
Supply feeders with suet cakes, suet nuggets, and peanuts. Northern Flickers especially relish these high fat/protein foods. Tail prop suet feeders allow easy access.
Include Fruit and Mealworms
Supplement suet and nuts with mealworms, diced fruit, and berries. Variety and “natural” foods appeal to flickers. Dried mealworms are a nutritious protein source.
Use Large Mesh Feeders
Select platform feeders with 1-1.5 inch mesh size. Northern Flickers have large, strong bills that can easily tear and penetrate small mesh. Sturdy plastic or metal mesh withstands wear.
Elevate Feeders Over 5 Feet High
Mount feeders at least 5-6 feet or higher off the ground. Elevated feeders feel safer and prevent access from squirrels. Flickers prefer feeding higher up.
Avoid Competition from Other Birds
Stop starlings, grackles, jays, and other bully birds from taking over feeders. Use feeders with weight or perch size restrictions. Squirrel baffles also help.
Provide Open Landing Areas
Flickers are large, heavy birds that need room to maneuver. Leave open landing spots clear of bushes and branches around feeders for safety.
Common Questions about Northern Flickers at Feeders
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about attracting Northern Flickers to bird feeders:
What is the best bird feeder for Northern Flickers?
Platform feeders are ideal for flickers. Look for tail-prop suet feeders, large hopper feeders, or tray feeders with a platform perching area at least 5-6 inches square. They should be mounted on poles or posts.
Will suet attract Northern Flickers?
Yes, suet is a favorite food of Northern Flickers. Use suet feeders with tail props to make balancing easier. Also try suet nuggets, bark butter, and rendered suet cakes.
Do Northern Flickers eat mealworms?
Mealworms are relished by Northern Flickers as a natural protein-rich food source. Offer dried mealworms in platform feeders or suet feeders to attract them.
What kind of fruit do Northern Flickers eat?
Chopped apples, oranges, bananas, grapes, raisins, and other fruits are readily eaten by flickers. Offer diced fruit in platform feeders near suet and peanuts.
Will Northern Flickers use hopper feeders?
Yes, large hopper feeders can work well, especially if they have a platform perching area built in. Make sure the seed ports and slots are at least 1-inch size for access.
Do Northern Flickers migrate?
Some Northern Flicker populations migrate seasonally, while others remain year-round residents. Migration patterns vary across their wide geographic range. Offer food year-round to support flickers in your area.
Will Northern Flickers come to my feeders?
Northern Flickers can be attracted to feeders with the right presentation and food. Make sure feeders are up high, near trees, and stocked with suet, peanuts, and fruit. Be patient, as flickers are skittish at first.
Conclusion
Northern Flickers add striking beauty, sound, and motion to backyards when they visit bird feeders. Their large size, colorful markings, and energetic feeding behaviors make them fun to watch. With the right feeder placement, food offerings, and patience, you can entice Northern Flickers to become regular feeding guests. Platform feeders stocked with suet, nuts, fruit, and mealworms will appeal to them. Locate feeders at least 5-6 feet high on poles or posts near trees for safety. Once flickers find your feeders, be prepared for lively action from these charismatic woodpeckers. Enjoy their company and meet their needs to encourage repeat visits all year round.