Northern Flicker -- South Dakota Birds

Northern Flicker

Colaptes auratus

Two forms occur, the yellow-shafted and the red-shafted.  The two forms have similar bodies but different color patterns on the head.  The red-shafted is generally found in the western half of the U.S., while the yellow-shafted is generally found in the eastern half.  There is a broad zone, including South Dakota, where interbreeding between the two forms create a wide variety of intermediates.  Unlike many other woodpeckers, Northern Flickers can often be found on the ground as they feed on their favorite food, ants.

Habitat: Can be found in almost any habitat with trees, but tends to avoid dense unbroken forest. 

Diet: Mostly insects, especially ants.  Also eats fruits and berries, especially in the winter, and occasionally seeds and nuts. 

Nesting: Last week of May through Mid July.

Breeding map: Breeding bird survey map

Song: Northern Flicker Song, also Northern Flicker Call

Migrations: Flickers in northern part of their range (Canada, northern U.S.) do migrate, but some overwinter in the state.

Birdhouses: Will nest in houses and boxes.

Further Information: 1) USGS Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Northern Flicker.

2) Cornell University's "All About Birds - Northern Flicker"

3) E-nature.com: Northern Flicker

Photo Information: May 17th, 2004 -- Ground of the EROS Data Center near Sioux Falls -- Terry Sohl

Additional Photos: Click on the image chips or text links below for additional, higher-resolution Northern Flicker photos.

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Please mail any comments/suggestions/additional links for this page to: Terry L. Sohl

This page was last edited on 02/03/08