People usually look up into the trees to spot woodpeckers. But if you want to see this brown and black member of the woodpecker family, you need to look on the lawn. The Northern Flicker is described as having a gentle expression and handsome black and brown plumage. A close look shows the feathers are richly patterned with black spots, bars, and crescents. The underside of the wings and tail are bright yellow (at least in the East. Interestingly, their Western cousins have red linings to their wings!) They also have a white rump patch that is only visible in flight, and occasionally if they are perched, but rarely seen when they are on the ground. The entire ensemble is topped off with a bright red patch on the back of the head.
These birds hunt ants, beetles, insects, and they dig them out with their long, slightly curved beaks. They do drum on trees as well, and their sound is distinctive, immediately marking them out as members of the woodpecker clan.We enjoy the visits of these birds, who spend a lot of time on our lawns and in the horse pasture. Their sudden transformation from a quiet, brown and black bird on the ground into a burst of vivid colour in flight is a delight.
I saw one yesterday, too!
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