In Search of Snowbirds | Northern Flicker

Feb 24, 2021 | AF-S 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G IF-ED VR, Daily Image 2021, In Search of Snowbirds, Nikon 1 V1, Northern Flicker

In Search of Snowbirds | Northern Flicker

Northern Illinois | 3/08/2015 10:52 am CST | Mostly Cloudy 36°F Light Winds

In Search of Snowbirds | Northern Flicker    This male Red-shafted Northern Flicker stopped by one day.  Although they are common to northern Illinois, they don’t come around this area much.  it’s a woodpecker that displays bright colors under the wings and tail when it flies.

The Back Story    Again, keeping a camera near the window helps improve chances of capturing a quick simple click.   A simple click was easy as I walked by the window.

Quick Facts…

Northern Flicker … Brownish with white rump & red undersides of wing & tail.  Patterned with black spots, bars.
HabitatOpen forests, woodlots, groves, towns, semi-open country.
RangeCommon in Northern Illinois
NestCavity in tree or post, rarely in ground burrow. Tree cavities usually in dead wood; pine & cottonwood,
DietMostly ants and other insects. Eats fruits & berries, especially in fall/winter and seeds & nuts at times.
BehaviorForages by hopping on ground, climbing tree trunks and limbs.
SizeLength: 11.0-12.2 in | Weight: 33.9-5.6 oz | Wingspan: 16.5-20.1 in   Size between Robin & Crow

Northern Flicker

Mar 8, 2015 | AF-S 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G IF-ED VR, Birds, Daily Image 2015, Nikon 1 V1, Northern Flicker, Wildlife

 

Northern Flicker

Northern Flicker  Take a peek at the newest visitor to my new bird feeder; the Northern Flicker woodpecker.  Although Northern Flickers are still abundant and widespread, recent surveys indicate a decline in population.  Apparently, starlings compete with flickers for freshly excavated nesting sites and may drive the flickers away.  Hope this male and his mate continue visit.