Northern Flicker

Northern Flicker by Henry on Flickr

Colaptes auratus

All it takes is a flash of russet wings and I am so excited. It's a Northern Flicker! The first time I remember seeing one was in Arizona. We lived next to the National Forest, which was mostly pine trees, so it was their common habitat. I had seen a western Northern Flicker, which have the red wings, as opposed to the eastern Northern Flicker, which have yellow wings. I have never seen an eastern in person and would love to see pictures!

Northern Flickers are woodpeckers, but they don't really peck wood. They tend to eat insects off the ground instead. And even though they live in most of North America year-round, I usually only see them when the weather is fine.

These Flickers are very beautiful birds. The western birds have a red "whisker" on the side of their face, and a black chest. They are tan with gorgeous black spots, and, of course, their colorful wings.

I usually hear Northern Flickers before I see them. Thankfully my Merlin app (which I highly recommend) lets me id them from their piercing call.

Just the sight of a Northern Flicker brings me such joy. I hope you get to see one so it can bring you joy, too!

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