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Birdle

All birds
Northern Flicker

Northern Flicker

Colaptes auratus

Unlike most woodpeckers, the Northern Flicker often feeds on the ground, probing ant colonies with its long barbed tongue. Its brown barred plumage, black bib, and spotted belly are accented by vivid yellow or red underwings depending on the subspecies. Common across North America, it is one of the few migratory woodpecker species on the continent.

Fun Fact

Unlike most woodpeckers, Flickers spend a lot of time on the ground eating ants.

Attributes

TypeWoodpecker
Habitatforest, urban
SizeMedium
Dietinsects
FlightStandard
Colorsbrown, black, yellow
MigratoryYes
ContinentsNorth America
Nest Typecavity
ConservationLeast Concern
Difficulty: medium