Appearance: The northern flicker is a large bird about 12.5″ long. They have brown backs with black bars, a black crescent on the upper chest, and white with black spots on the belly and underparts.
• In the eastern part of their range, they are referred to as “yellow-shafted northern flickers” and have bright yellow underwings and undertail. They have a gray crown, tan face, and a red patch on the nape. The male has a black swipe on his cheek, the female does not.
• In the western part of their range, they are referred to as “red-shafted northern flickers” and have pink underwings and undertail, brown crown, gray face, and crown & nape brown. The male has a red swipe on his cheek, the female does not.
Winter diet: Insects they’re able to find hibernating beneath tree bark.
Winter feeder food: Unlikely to visit a feeder.
Winter habitat: Northern flickers spend winter throughout every state of the US, British Columbia, and the southern parts of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba as well as Mexico. They prefer open areas near trees.
Range Map
