A large woodpecker that's unusually terrestrial — often seen on lawns foraging for ants, their primary food. Eastern "yellow-shafted" and western "red-shafted" subspecies differ in underwing color and were once considered separate species.

Also called: Yellowhammer, Yellow-shafted Flicker (East), Red-shafted Flicker (West), Common Flicker

Native status: Native; widespread

§ Quick facts

SizeBody 28–36 cm (11–14 in); wingspan 42–54 cm
Weight110–160 g (4–5.6 oz)
LifespanWild typically 6 years; oldest documented 9.2
OrderPiciformes
FamilyPicidae

§ Encyclopedia

The northern flicker or common flicker is a medium-sized bird of the woodpecker family. It is native to most of North America, parts of Central America, Cuba, and the Cayman Islands, and is one of the few woodpecker species that migrate. Over 100 common names for the northern flicker are known, including yellowhammer, clape, gaffer woodpecker, harry-wicket, heigh-ho, wake-up, walk-up, wick-up, yarrup, and gawker bird. Many of these names derive from attempts to imitate some of its calls.

Source: Wikipedia — Northern flicker Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Large brown woodpecker with bold black crescent on chest; spotted underparts; bright wing-lining flash in flight (yellow east, pink-salmon west); white rump patch visible in flight.

Similar species. Other woodpeckers (different patterns). Gilded Flicker (similar but yellow undersides, Sonoran Desert only).

Voice. Loud ringing "wik-wik-wik-wik" series; long "klee-yer!" call; rolling drum lasting 1–2 seconds.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Ants (~45% of diet) — uses long sticky tongue to lap them out of soil and rotted wood; beetles; fruits and seeds in fall and winter.

Behavior. The only North American woodpecker that regularly feeds on the ground — sometimes mistaken for a small grouse or thrasher when foraging on lawns. Two distinct color forms: Eastern "Yellow-shafted" (yellow wing/tail linings, red nape, black moustache in males) and Western "Red-shafted" (salmon-pink wing linings, no red nape, red moustache). The two forms hybridize freely where ranges overlap in the Great Plains. State bird of Alabama (Yellowhammer).

§ Range

Across North America (year-round most of US, summer north)

§ Habitat

Open woodlands, forest edges, suburban yards, parks

§ Threats

Loss of dead-tree nest cavities, pesticide-driven ant declines, lawn-centric yards.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the northern flicker is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Leave dead trees standing where safe. Skip lawn pesticides. Maintain native plantings.

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§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • Cornell Lab — All About Birds
  • National Audubon Society
  • iNaturalist
  • IUCN Red List 2018