Northern Flicker

Another common backyard woodpecker, the northern flicker has a beautiful checkered back. Learn how to attract northern flickers to your yard, and listen to their song.

Photo: Roland Jordahl

• Scientific Name: Colaptes auratus.
• Family: Woodpecker.
• Length: 12-1/2 inches.
• Wingspan: 20 inches.
• Distinctive Markings: All male flickers have a mustache. Easterns have a black mustache, and westerns sport a red one. Females (like the one at right) have similar markings to the male, but they do not have a mustache.
• Nest: Males and females work together to excavate nesting cavities in dead trees, utility poles and fence posts. Lays six to eight white eggs.
• Song: "Flicka, flicka." Also a loud "wick, wick, klee."
• Habitat: Backyards and open woodlands.
• Diet: Insects, berries and weed seeds.
• Backyard Favorites: Attract with a large birdhouse high above the ground.