Northern Flicker
NORFLI
Colaptes auratus
ORDER: Piciformes
FAMILY: Picidae
Madison County, Indiana, May 2015
Large, brownish woodpecker with black barring on the back and black spots on the belly. Easily recognized in flight by its bright white rump. Also note large black crescent-shaped mark on breast. Wings and tail flash yellow or red, depending on the subspecies. Generally "Yellow-shafted" is found in eastern and northern North America, and "Red-shafted" is found in western North America as far south as Oaxaca. Typically singly or in pairs, but can gather in large loose groups during migration and winter. Often seen feeding on the ground in open areas, foraging for ants and worms. Vocal and conspicuous: listen for loud “kleer!” call and series of laughing notes.
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For more information about identifying birds, we suggest the following websites:
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Flickers are a sure sign of spring here!