How to Identify a Northern Flicker

That "Knock, knock, knock" sound you hear may be a woodpecker outside in your backyard. There are many kinds of woodpeckers, but a very common one in North America is the Northern Flicker. There are two types of Northern Flickers--the Yellow-shafted Flicker and the Red-shafted Flicker. These birds can be easy to identify if you know their distinct characteristics. Read on to learn how to identify a Northern Flicker.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Take note of the habitats of the Northern Flicker. The Yellow-shafted Flicker lives in eastern North America, while the Red-shafted Flicker lives in western North America. Both are widespread, however. Northern Flickers like to live in suburban areas, open woodlands and forest edges.
2. Observe the appearance of the two types of Northern Flickers with care. Both the Yellow-shafted Flicker and the Red-shafted Flicker have spotted underparts and brown, barred upperparts. They also have a white rump, which can be seen during flight and a dagger shaped bill. Northern Flickers also have rounded wings and a black, notched tail.
3. Remember that the Yellow-shafted Flickers have a yellow color under their wings, a black moustache stripe, a tan face, a gray crown and a red crescent on their nape. The Red-shafted Flickers have a red color under their wings, a red moustache stripe, a gray face, a brown crown and no crescent on their nape. Females look similar to males, except females don't have no moustache stripes.
4. Marvel at the size of the Northern Flicker. Northern Flickers are medium sized birds, ranging in length from 32 to 36 cm. They weigh approximately 110 to 160 g and they have a wingspan of 48 to 53 cm.
5. Listen to the sounds of the Northern Flicker. The breeding call of the Northern Flicker is a loud, repetitive series of "wick-er" sounds. The call at other times is a loud, single "klee-yer" sound.
6. Observe the two-step flight pattern of the Northern Flicker. At first, the Flicker exhibits rapid wing beats. Then, those wing beats are followed by a pause. During this pause, the wings of the Flicker are folded at the sides of the bird. This makes it look like the bird is flying with an up and down flight pattern.

Tips & Warnings

• Try to not confuse the Northern Flicker with the Gilded Flicker. The Gilded Flicker has both a red moustache stripe and yellow wings on their underparts.