Northern Flickers: Birds of Varied Feathers

Many people recognize the Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus) as the most common woodpecker encountered in daily life. Their tank-like bodies undulate up and down as they fly, flashing a white rump patch and glimpses of salmon-pink color from the wings. They scoop ants one by one from sidewalk cracks. Their incessant drumming on chimneys and telephone poles heralds spring and prompts crossed fingers in the hopes birds will move on and not cause damage to homes or other structures. Whether loved or reviled, few people stop to consider the beauty, movements, or population dynamics of Northern Flickers.

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