Also known as the yellow hammer, the northern flicker is a North American woodpecker, unique among its relatives for its ground-foraging behaviour. Unlike other woodpecker species that primarily excavate wood in search of insects, the northern flicker spends most of its foraging time on the ground. There are four recognised subspecies—two of which are found in North America: the red-shafted and yellow-shafted flickers, respectively.
In this article, we dive into the specifics of Alabama’s fascinating state bird.
Field Identification
The northern flicker is a medium-sized woodpecker. Its brown body plumage is adorned with black spots, bars, and crescents. The moustached males are easily distinguished from the females by a distinctive facial streak extending from the base of the beak. A characteristic feature of the species is the bright yellow or red underwings, depending on the subspecies.
The eastern variety, known as the yellow-shafted flicker, has a black moustache and yellow underside to its wings and tail, while the western red-shafted flicker displays red hues in these areas. In regions where the yellow-shafted and red-shafted flickers overlap—like the Great Plains—they interbreed, creating hybrids with mixed colors.
Both sexes have a black crescent-shaped patch on their chest, contrasting with their otherwise spotted plumage. Their long, slightly curved beaks are well-adapted for digging into soil and tree bark in search of food.
Significance as Alabama’s State Bird
Alabama designated the Northern flicker its state bird in 1927. Locally known as the “yellowhammer,” this bird has deep historical ties to the state. The term “yellowhammer” originates from the American Civil War when Alabama soldiers, particularly those in the cavalry, were nicknamed yellowhammers due to the yellow accents on their uniforms. The flicker’s yellow-shafted feathers reminded people of the soldiers’ uniforms, solidifying its symbolic association with Alabama.
Over time, the Northern Flicker became a cherished symbol of Alabama’s heritage. It is also the namesake of the state’s official nickname – The Yellowhammer State. Evolutionary Adaptations
The northern flicker has an exceptionally long tongue that can extend two inches beyond its bill, which is nearly one-third of its body length. The tip of the tongue is sticky and slightly barbed. When not in use, the tongue retracts and curls around the back of the skull, a feature found in many woodpeckers to accommodate such extreme length.
Habitat and Distribution
Northern flickers are widespread across North America, with a vast range stretching from Canada to Central America. These highly adaptable birds thrive in an array of environments, including woodlands, forests, open fields, and even urban areas.
Unlike many other woodpeckers that prefer deep, dense forests, the northern flicker is often spotted in open spaces where it can search for food more effectively. They are partially migratory, with northern populations moving south during the winter months.
Diet and Foraging
One of the most interesting aspects of the northern flicker is its dietary behaviour. While many woodpeckers primarily feed on insects found in tree bark, flickers obtain most of their food foraging on the ground. Their diet consists largely of ants, making up a significant portion of their food intake. In fact, northern flickers eat more ants than any other North American bird.
Using their long, sticky tongues, flickers extract ants and other insects from the soil. Their long tongues also help them reach deep into anthills and logs. Even their saliva is extra sticky, making it easy for the flicker to scoop up dosens of ants in one flick.
Northern flickers will also consume beetles, caterpillars, termites, and other invertebrates, as well as fruits, berries, and seeds when insects are scarce. Their diet shifts slightly with the seasons, incorporating more plant matter during colder months. The northern flicker is an essential part of the ecosystem as it plays a role in controlling insect populations, particularly ants.
Breeding and Nesting
Northern flickers are cavity nesters. Using their specialised bills, they drill holes in trees to create their nesting sites. They prefer dead or decaying trees, as these provide softer surfaces for excavation. If natural cavities are unavailable, flickers may also use man-made structures such as wooden fence posts or birdhouses.
The breeding season begins in spring, with males performing elaborate courtship displays, including head bobbing, drumming on wood, and vocalising. They may also engage in “fencing duels” with other males, during which they flare their wings and call out to assert dominance.
Once a pair bonds, they work together to build a nest, which is lined with wood chips. The female typically lays five to eight eggs, and both parents share incubation duties, which last around up to fourteen days. After hatching, the chicks remain in the nest for about twenty-seven days before fledging.
Vocalisations and communication
The common call of the northern flicker is a loud, ringing “wick-a-wick-a-wick” or “flicka-flicka-flicka” sound, which is often heard during the breeding season. They also make a sharp “klee-yer” sound, used as an alarm call when sensing danger. Like other woodpeckers, flickers engage in drumming, which entails rapidly striking their beak against a tree or metal surface to communicate with others and establish territory.
Conservation Status and Threats
While the Northern flicker is not currently classified as endangered, populations have declined in some regions due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and competition with invasive species like the European starling. Starlings often take over flicker nests, forcing them to relocate or abandon their breeding sites. Additionally, urbanisation and deforestation reduce the availability of suitable nesting trees.
To support Northern flicker populations, conservationists recommend preserving dead trees and natural nesting habitats, as well as providing birdhouses designed specifically for cavity-nesting birds. Reducing pesticide use also helps maintain healthy insect populations, ensuring flickers have a reliable food source.
Final Thoughts
The northern flicker is one of the most widespread woodpecker species in North America. It is a fascinating bird with a striking appearance and unique behaviors. It plays an important ecosystem role due to its penchant for ants and other insects.
As human development continues to impact bird populations, it is important to put in place measures to ensure the future preservation of this species. Whether spotted in a forest, a suburban backyard, or a field, the Northern flicker is a treasured element of American wildlife.
