Northern Flickers are fairly large woodpeckers (11-12 in) but, unlike other woodpeckers, they are often found on the ground foraging for ants and beetles. They also sit on tree branches rather than leaning against the trunk.
Northern Flickers have a brown body with black markings, a black bib, and a white patch on their rump. The underside of their wing and tail feathers is bright yellow for eastern birds and red for western birds.
Northern Flickers are widespread throughout Canada and the United States. Northern birds migrate south for the winter. They're most commonly found in open woods, forest edges, or urban areas with lots of trees.
Could it be? Red-bellied Woodpeckers are black and white with a red patch on their head and neck.
Did you know? Northern Flickers clean their feathers by taking dust baths or by rubbing a crushed ant against their feathers (formic acid kills small parasites).
See Also: Downy Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker
