The Northern Flicker
One Feather at a Time — Ep. 10
The Northern Flicker is one of the few woodpeckers you’ll often see on the ground. I usually spot them in open areas—lawns, trailsides, and forest edges—poking around for ants and beetles. They stand out with their brownish body, black spots, and a bold black crescent on the chest. In eastern Canada, their underwings and tail flash bright yellow in flight.
Northern Flicker
They’re larger than the Downy or Hairy Woodpecker, with a longer bill and a more curved posture. Their flight is looping and bouncy, and they often call out with a loud “kleer!” or a series of rhythmic notes that sound like laughter. I tend to find them most active in the morning, especially after rain when the ground is soft. They’ll hop through leaf litter or short grass, pausing to dig with their bill. Unlike most woodpeckers, they spend a lot of time on the ground, though they still nest in tree cavities—usually in dead wood or old stumps.
They’re year-round residents in much of Canada, but more visible in spring and summer. I’ve seen them perched on fence posts, low branches, and even foraging near picnic areas. They’re not shy, but they do move quickly once they notice you watching.
