The Northern Flicker is a relatively common woodpecker found across much of North America. However, some subspecies and populations of the Northern Flicker are quite rare. In this article, we’ll take a close look at the rarity of the Northern Flicker overall and across different regions.
Quick Facts on the Northern Flicker
Here are some key facts about the Northern Flicker:
- Scientific name: Colaptes auratus
- Other common names: Common Flicker, Yellowhammer, Harry-wicket, Gawker Bird, High-holder
- Length: 11-12 inches
- Wingspan: 17-21 inches
- Weight: 5-8 ounces
- Lifespan: Up to 12 years
- Diet: Insects, fruits, seeds, ants
- Habitat: Open woodlands, forests, edges, parks, suburban areas
- Range: Much of North America from Alaska to Central America
The Northern Flicker is a medium-sized woodpecker with brown barred plumage on its back and wings and black spots on its belly. The most distinctive feature is the bright yellow or red wing and tail feathers. Males have a black or red mustache stripe. Northern Flickers can be found across much of North America in a variety of wooded habitats.
Rarity Status of Northern Flicker Overall
Across its extensive range, the Northern Flicker is considered common and the species as a whole is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List. The global population is estimated at around 13 million individuals. Population trends appear stable and the Northern Flicker adapts readily to human-altered habitats in many regions.
So in most of North America, the Northern Flicker is a regular sight in appropriate habitats and cannot be considered rare or threatened. The species ranks in the top 30 most frequently reported birds in the North American Breeding Bird Survey each year. Christmas Bird Counts also find Northern Flicker numbers to be consistent and widespread during the winter in the U.S. and Mexico.
Continental Population Estimates
Some continental population estimates for the Northern Flicker include:
- Partners in Flight Landbird Conservation Plan – 13 million
- The Birds of North America – 10 million
- Audubon Christmas Bird Count – 5.5 million
While these numbers are only estimates, they confirm the widespread, common status of the Northern Flicker across its range in North America.
Rare and Threatened Regional Populations
While the Northern Flicker as a species is not rare, some regional populations and subspecies have declining numbers and limited ranges that classify them as threatened or endangered.
Gilded Flicker
The Gilded Flicker is a subspecies found in the southwest U.S. and Mexico. It has been given a Vulnerable status on the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss and degradation. Population trends are decreasing but the total number is unknown. The estimated extent of occurrence is 123,000 square miles.
Red-shafted Flicker
The Red-shafted Flicker inhabits western North America and is the subspecies with the largest range. But populations in coastal southwest California have declined significantly. These isolated populations are listed as threatened by the state of California.
Yellow-shafted Flicker
This is the subspecies found in eastern North America. Breeding populations from New Brunswick to North Carolina are listed as endangered by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) due to habitat loss on its wintering grounds.
State and Provincial Rarity Rankings
Several states and provinces in the Northern Flicker’s range give the bird an S4 ranking, meaning it is considered uncommon and can be rare in parts of its range but is not rare statewide. These include:
- Alaska
- Wyoming
- New York
- Vermont
- New Hampshire
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
A ranking of S3 means the Northern Flicker is rare and uncommon in that state or province. S3 status has been assigned by:
- Nevada
- Utah
- Minnesota
- Newfoundland
These state-level designations reflect the fact that the Northern Flicker occupies only limited parts of these states and provinces and can be considered rare at the local level.
Habitat Loss
The major threat facing more vulnerable Northern Flicker populations is habitat loss, especially deforestation on the wintering grounds. Clearing of forests and woodlands removes crucial habitat for feeding and nesting. Urbanization and agricultural expansion are the main causes of deforestation affecting Northern Flicker populations.
In addition, forest management practices can reduce habitat suitability. Selective logging opens up the forest canopy too much for this woodpecker. Clear cutting completely removes the large snags this species needs for nesting and roosting.
Climate Change
Some climate change models predict the boreal forest inhabited by Yellow-shafted Flickers in Canada could decline by up to 58% by 2085. Loss of this breeding habitat to climate-related changes would likely cause steeper population declines.
Drought conditions in the southwest U.S. and Mexico may also impact Gilded Flicker populations dependent on certain desert woodlands.
Habitat Protection
To protect more vulnerable Northern Flicker populations, habitat protection is key. This includes preserving intact forests, woodlands, riparian areas, and parklands.
Sustainable forestry practices can also maintain suitable habitat. These include selective logging rather than clear cutting and preserving standing dead trees and snags.
Protected areas like national forests and parks help safeguard habitat for Northern Flicker populations. Private landowners can also maintain woodland habitat on their property.
Species Monitoring
Ongoing monitoring programs help keep track of Northern Flicker numbers and trends. These include:
- Breeding Bird Survey
- Christmas Bird Count
- State breeding bird atlases – periodic surveys of nesting birds
- Migration counts
- Checklists and eBird reports
Targeted monitoring of rare and threatened populations also helps inform management efforts to stabilize or increase their numbers.
Research Needs
Further research on Northern Flicker populations could help guide future conservation actions. Some key research needs include:
- Migration routes, connectivity between breeding and wintering grounds
- Genetic analysis of subspecies
- Projecting impacts of forest management practices
- Modeling habitat shifts from climate change
Filling information gaps through field studies and modeling would provide a clearer picture of what threatens rare Northern Flicker populations.
Conservation Status
Agency | Status |
---|---|
IUCN Red List | Least Concern |
ESA | Not listed |
Audubon | Not listed |
COSEWIC | Endangered (eastern populations) |
Conclusion
While the Northern Flicker as a species is common and widespread, regional populations in the southwest U.S, Mexico, and eastern Canada are rare and declining. Ongoing habitat loss poses the major threat along with climate change impacts. Protecting woodland habitat and monitoring vulnerable populations are key conservation priorities. But over most of its range, the adaptable Northern Flicker remains a familiar fixture in parks, forests, and backyards.