Digital-Desert : Mojave Desert

Intro:: Nature:: Map:: Parks:: Points of Interest:: Ghosts & Gold:: Communities:: Roads & Trails:: People & History:: BLOG:: Weather:: :?:: glossary

Desert Wildlife - Birds:

Northern Flicker - Red-shafted race

Colaptes auratus

The Northern Flicker is a type of woodpecker, and the "Red-shafted Race" refers to a specific subspecies found in the western parts of North America. Here's a quick rundown:

Appearance:

The Red-shafted Northern Flicker has a brownish body with black spots, bars, and crescents. Its wings and tail feathers show a striking reddish hue, especially noticeable when the bird is in flight. Males typically have a red mustache-like mark on their cheeks, while females lack this feature.

Habitat:

These birds are often found in forests, woodlands, and even in suburban areas. They like to hang out on the ground, searching for ants and other insects, which make up a big part of their diet.

Behavior:

Unlike many other woodpeckers, Northern Flickers spend a lot of time on the ground. They use their long, barbed tongues to snatch up ants from the soil. Their drumming behavior is also a common way to establish territory or attract a mate.

Sounds:

The Red-shafted Flicker has a distinctive call that sounds like a loud "wick-wick-wick." They also produce a drumming sound when pecking on trees or other resonant surfaces.

This subspecies is quite adaptable and can be found from Alaska down to Mexico, making it one of the most widespread types of woodpeckers in North America.

The Northern Flicker, specifically the Red-shafted Race, is an interesting and visually striking subspecies of woodpecker found primarily in the western regions of North America. Here are more detailed insights into this bird:

Physical Characteristics

Size:

Northern Flickers are medium-sized woodpeckers, typically about 11-12 inches (28-31 cm) in length, with a wingspan of around 17-21 inches (43-54 cm). They weigh between 3-5 ounces (85-140 grams).

Coloration:

The Red-shafted Flicker is named for the red coloring found on the underside of its wing and tail feathers. This red hue is especially noticeable when the bird is in flight. The body is mostly brown with black barring on the back and wings. The breast is marked with a distinctive black crescent, and the belly is pale with dark spots.

Sexual Dimorphism:

Males have a red "mustache" stripe (malar stripe) on their cheeks, while females lack this stripe. This is one of the primary ways to distinguish between the sexes.

Habitat and Range

Range:

The Red-shafted Northern Flicker is found across western North America, from Alaska down through Canada and the United States into northern Mexico. It inhabits a wide variety of environments, including forests, woodlands, open fields, and even urban and suburban areas.

Habitat:

While they are a type of woodpecker, Northern Flickers often spend more time on the ground than in trees, particularly when foraging. They prefer areas with a mix of open ground and trees, such as forest edges, riparian zones, and even backyards.

Behavior and Ecology

Foraging:

Unlike most woodpeckers that peck at wood to find insects, Northern Flickers primarily forage on the ground. They are especially fond of ants, which make up a large part of their diet. Their long, sticky tongues are perfectly adapted for reaching into ant nests. They also eat beetles, caterpillars, and other insects, as well as fruits and seeds.

Drumming:

Like other woodpeckers, Northern Flickers drum on trees or other hard surfaces to communicate. This behavior is used to establish territory and attract mates. Their drumming can be loud and repetitive, often heard in spring.

Breeding:

Northern Flickers typically nest in cavities, which they either excavate themselves or take over from other birds. They prefer dead or decaying trees, but they may also nest in wooden structures like barns. The female lays 5-8 white eggs, which both parents incubate for about 11-12 days. The chicks fledge after about 24-27 days.

Vocalizations

Calls:

The Red-shafted Flicker has a distinctive, loud call that sounds like a repeated "wick-wick-wick." They also produce a long, rolling "rattle" call. These vocalizations, along with their drumming, are key ways they communicate with each other.

Drumming:

In addition to vocal calls, Northern Flickers also communicate by drumming on resonant surfaces. This can include trees, metal roofs, or even chimney pipes. The drumming serves to establish territory and attract mates.

Migration and Behavior

Migration:

While some populations of Northern Flickers are year-round residents, others migrate seasonally. Birds in the northernmost parts of their range typically move southward in winter. In contrast, those in more temperate regions may remain in their territories year-round.

Behavior:

Northern Flickers are known for their "flickering" flight pattern, which is undulating, with a series of rapid wing beats followed by glides. They are also unique among woodpeckers for their habit of foraging on the ground rather than in trees.

Conservation Status

Population:

The Northern Flicker is currently widespread and relatively common, with a stable population. It is not considered threatened or endangered.

Threats:

While they are adaptable birds, Northern Flickers do face some threats, including habitat loss due to urbanization and competition for nesting sites with invasive species like European Starlings.
The Red-shafted Northern Flicker is a remarkable bird that stands out not only for its striking coloration but also for its unique behaviors among woodpeckers. Whether drumming on a tree or flickering across a meadow, this bird is a fascinating and important part of the ecosystems it inhabits.

Cornell Lab of Ornithology - All About Birds:

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology provides comprehensive information on the Northern Flicker, including physical characteristics, behavior, and vocalizations. All About Birds - Northern Flicker.

Audubon Society:

The Audubon Society's field guide offers detailed descriptions of the Northern Flicker's habitat, range, and behavior. Audubon - Northern Flicker.

Birds of the World:

This resource offers in-depth information on the Northern Flicker's ecology, foraging habits, and reproductive behavior. It is a comprehensive guide for ornithologists and bird enthusiasts. Birds of the World - Northern Flicker.

eBird:

eBird, also managed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, provides observational data and migration patterns for the Northern Flicker. eBird - Northern Flicker.

These sources provide a well-rounded view of the Northern Flicker, particularly the Red-shafted Race, with scientific and observational data supporting the details shared.

The Northern Flicker is a common and widespread woodpecker over much of North America. It occurs in two distinct races which are easily distinguishable in the field and which were formerly considered separate species.

A large-sized woodpecker (mean length of 29 cm) of the Sonoran Desert region of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. Golden yellow underwings distinguish the Gilded Flicker from the Northern Flicker found within the same region, which have red underwings. The Gilded Flicker most frequently builds its nest hole in a majestic saguaro cactus. Northern Flickers, on the other hand, nest in riparian trees and very rarely inhabit saguaros. Gilded Flickers occasionally hybridize with Northern Flickers in the narrow zones where their range and habitat overlap.

Intro:: Nature:: Map:: Parks:: Points of Interest:: Ghosts & Gold:: Communities:: Roads & Trails:: People & History:: BLOG:: Weather:: :?:: glossary

Country Life Realty
Wrightwood, Ca.

Mountain Hardware
Wrightwood, Ca.

Canyon Cartography

DesertLink
Links to Desert Museums

Grizzly Cafe
Family Dining

Custom Search

Abraxas Engineering
privacy