Northern Flicker

Colaptes auratus

The Northern Flicker, scientifically known as Colaptes auratus, is a medium-sized woodpecker found in North America. It has a distinctive appearance with a brownish-gray body, a black-spotted belly, and a prominent white rump patch. The male has a black moustache mark, while the female lacks this feature. This species is known for its unique behavior of foraging on the ground for ants and beetles, in addition to excavating cavities in trees for nesting. Northern Flickers are also recognized for their loud, rhythmic drumming on resonant objects. They inhabit open woodlands, forest edges, and urban areas with suitable trees for nesting and foraging.

Habitat: Open woodlands, forest edges, urban areas