Northern Flicker

The Northern Flicker is one of the most striking birds observed in our backyards.

Article by Mark Fitzsimons
Photo by Steve Berliner

A Northern Flicker’s bold markings, a combination of black bars, spots and chest bib on a golden brown background make it easy to identify. We are often first aware of its presence when we hear a high piercing “kee-yer” or a series of laugh like “kwick-kwick-kwick-kwick-kwick” calls.  This may be followed by the distinct ratatatatat drum roll sound of bird beak on wood or metal. 
Flickers beat on wood or other materials for three reasons: drumming, cavity excavation, and foraging. Since drumming is used for communication, it’s usually done on a surface with good acoustic properties in brief, fast paced volleys. Both males and females drum; it attracts other birds to the location and is followed by territorial or courtship interactions. Drumming typically occurs from mid-March through June. 
The growth of cities has reduced the availability of snags (dead or dying trees) needed by flickers to excavate their nesting cavities and they also have to compete with Starlings for them.  Place a Flicker Nest Box in your yard as a suitable alternative! 

Though a woodpecker, its feeding behavior can be very un-woodpecker like; over 75% of its diet consists of insects and 50% of that is ants.  It spends much of its time on the ground foraging and after eating, it will often preen its feathers with ants held in its beak.  The ants secrete formic acid which acts as a deterrent to pests and parasites. 
Flickers also delight us with visits to our Suet and Premium sunflower seed feeders.  Observe them carefully; you may see one of the much less common eastern sub-species during migration or in the winter.  Instead of red feather shafts under their wings and tail, these flickers sport bright yellow ones! You may also see hybrids between the two sub-species that have red “mustaches” or chevron shaped patches of red feathers on the back of their necks.