![]() Northern Flickers prefer to nest in dead trees. One scientist found over 2,000 different species of ants in a single Northern Flicker’s stomach! 5. Some people call Northern Flickers the “anteaters of the sky.” Their slightly curved bill helps them hunt for ants on the ground and on the sides of trees. They eat more ants than any bird in North America. In the east this is black, while in the west it is red. The only obvious difference is the male has a ‘mustache’ or whisker on either side of its beak. Both sexes have colored feathers on the underside of their wings and tail, yellow in the east and red in the west. In flight, you can see a white patch above the tail. Their wings have black bars, and their chest and belly are covered in black spots. They both have a U-shaped black patch on their breast feathers. Male and female Northern Flickers have similar plumage. ![]() Males and females look similar with only a few differences. But they both share the same barred back, spotted front and black bib. Flickers in the east have lighter brown body coloring, while in the west their body is more gray. Males in the east have a black mustache, but for males in the west it is red. There are other east versus west differences too. These colored feathers can be difficult to see unless the flicker has its wings or tail spread out, or you see them flying overhead. In the east, you get the “yellow-shafted” variety, and in the west the “red-shafted”. Northern Flickers in the east and west have different colors on the underside of their wings and tail. Species in the East and West have different colors Two Northern Flicker Varieties Northern Flickers are also commonly found in Cuba and parts of Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras. A band of Northern Flickers also dwells in Mexico year-round. Some populations migrate north to Canada to breed during the warmer months. ![]() Northern Flickers can be spotted in the United States throughout the year, from California to New York. You can find them throughout North America and some of the Caribbean Islands. Learn 15 interesting facts about Northern Flickers, and just what makes them so unique. Common in open forests and human-inhabited areas across North America, they keep populations of pesky insects at bay. From their bold feather patterns to their larger size, they are a favorite among backyard bird watchers. Northern Flickers are some of the most interesting members of the woodpecker family. ![]()
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