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Northern Flicker

Northern Flicker

Colaptes auratus

A large, distinctive woodpecker species native to North America, characterized by its brown plumage with black barring and distinctive spotted underside.

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Northern Flicker
Northern Flicker
Northern Flicker
Northern Flicker
Northern Flicker
ADSENSE SLOT

Ecology & Habitat

Habitat

Diverse ecosystems including woodlands, forest edges, urban parks, suburban areas, and open landscapes across North America, ranging from Alaska to Florida

Ecological Role

Key insectivore playing crucial role in forest and urban ecosystem pest control, particularly consuming large quantities of ground-dwelling ants and beetles

Morphology

  • SKIN COAT Brown plumage with black bars, white rump patch, yellow wing linings, distinctive black crescent on chest
  • LIMBS WINGS Strong zygodactyl feet with two toes forward and two backward for gripping surfaces, broad wings for agile flight
  • HEAD SENSORY Large, chisel-like bill adapted for probing ground and tree bark, strong skull for percussion, keen visual and auditory perception
  • BODY STRUCTURE Medium to large woodpecker, typically 28-36 cm in length, weighing 110-170 g, with robust body and distinctive woodpecker anatomy
Data Source: TaxonHub Database
Image Credit: Cephas
ADSENSE VERTICAL

Related Species in Picidae