Flickers

Flickers are small, brown-backed birds that are part of the woodpecker family. They are known for their loud and distinctive calls and are a common sight in parks and gardens across the United States. Flickers are found in both urban and rural areas and can be seen in open woodlands, meadows, and even in suburban areas.

Meta Information

Scientific Name

Colaptes auratus

Average Lifespan

10 years

Average Size

11-13 inches

Similar To

Pileated woodpecker, Red-bellied woodpecker, Northern flicker, Yellow-bellied sapsucker

Lifecyle

Flickers typically mate in the spring and lay their eggs in a nest in a tree. The eggs hatch in about two weeks and the chicks stay in the nest for about a month before fledging. During the winter, flickers migrate to warmer climates.

Diet

Flickers primarily feed on insects, such as ants, beetles, and grubs, as well as fruits, nuts, and berries. They have a long tongue that helps them to reach deep into crevices to find food.

Habitat

Flickers are found in open woodlands, meadows, and even in suburban areas. They prefer open areas with plenty of trees and shrubs, as well as access to water.

What are flickers?

Flickers are medium-sized woodpeckers that are found throughout North and Central America. There are two main species of flickers: the Northern Flicker and the Gilded Flicker. They are known for their distinctive calls, which sound like "wicka wicka" or "klee-yer".
What do flickers eat?

Flickers are omnivores, which means they eat both plant and animal matter. Their diet consists of insects, fruits, seeds, and nuts. They use their long beaks to dig into the ground and tree bark to find insects like ants and beetles. They also eat fruit from trees and bushes, and will sometimes visit bird feeders for seeds and nuts.
Where do flickers live?

Flickers are found throughout North and Central America, from Alaska to Panama. They prefer open woodlands, forest edges, and areas with scattered trees. They also live in urban areas with large trees and parks.
What is the lifespan of a flicker?

The average lifespan of a flicker is 4-5 years. However, some flickers have been known to live up to 9 years in the wild.
How do flickers communicate?

Flickers communicate using a variety of sounds and body language. They have a distinctive call that sounds like "wicka wicka" or "klee-yer". They also use drumming as a form of communication, which involves tapping their beaks against trees to make a loud noise. Flickers also use body language, such as raising their head feathers or tail, to signal to other birds.
Are flickers endangered?

Flickers are not currently considered endangered, but some populations have experienced declines due to habitat loss and fragmentation. Conservation efforts are focused on preserving and restoring their habitat, as well as reducing pesticide use to protect their food sources.
What is the physical appearance of a flicker?

Flickers are medium-sized woodpeckers with a distinctive appearance. They have a brownish-gray back and wings with black bars, and a white rump and belly. The Northern Flicker has a black bib on its chest, while the Gilded Flicker has a bright red patch on the back of its head. Both species have a long, slightly curved beak that is used for digging into the ground and tree bark to find food. They also have a long tongue that can extend up to 2 inches beyond their beak to catch insects.
Do flickers migrate?

Yes, some flickers do migrate. Northern Flickers that breed in the northern parts of their range will migrate south to warmer areas for the winter. However, some Northern Flickers are non-migratory and will stay in their breeding territory year-round. Gilded Flickers are non-migratory and are found year-round in their range in the southwestern United States and Mexico.

10 Fun Facts About

1. Flickers are the only woodpecker species that migrate. 2. Flickers are known to use tools to help them find food. 3. Flickers can fly up to 60 miles per hour. 4. Flickers have a special call that sounds like a “wick-a-wick-a-wick.” 5. Flickers are capable of surviving in temperatures as low as -20F. 6. Flickers have a unique courtship ritual that involves drumming on a tree. 7. Flickers are the only woodpecker species that feed on the ground. 8. Flickers can live up to 10 years in the wild. 9. Flickers are known to store food in tree cavities for later consumption. 10. Flickers have a unique tongue that is twice as long as their beak.