Two distinct races of this large woodpecker occur in North America. Yellow-shafted Flicker predominates in the east and north, Red-shafted Flicker in the west. Intergrades between these two subspecies are common in the central part of the continent. Upperparts are golden-brown with black barring. The breast and belly are buffy with black spots and a black crescent across the upper breast. In flight, the white rump is obvious. Yellow-shafted Flickers have a brown face and a gray nape with a small red crescent. Males show a bold black malar stripe. In flight, the undersides of the wings and tail are yellow, as are the flight feather shafts, visible from above. Red-shafted Flickers have a gray face with a little brown on the front part of the crown, and no marks on the nape. Males show a red malar stripe. In flight, the undersides of the wings and tail are a deep salmon pink, with red feather shafts.

Length: 32 (cm) Wingspan: 48 (cm)

Voice:

Call is a piercing TEEE-ew. Also a series of WICK-a WICK-a WICK-a WICK-a notes.

Habitat:

Open woodlands, forest edges, riparian woods, residential areas.

Behavior:

In residential areas, often drums on metal objects such as chimney caps, gutters, and light fixtures.

Feeding:

Forages on the ground, primarily for ants. Also eats fruit and seeds in winter. Commonly visits bird feeders.