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Henry Sowell

Vol. I · Est. 2026

Pl. XVII
Field-journal plate: Northern Flicker
The Northern Flicker plate as rendered on the e-ink frame
As rendered on the frame

The Birds · Plate XVII

Northern Flicker

Colaptes auratus

Picidae · Taxon 18236

Length11.0–12.2 in (28–31 cm)
Wingspan16.5–20.1 in (42–51 cm)
Weight3.9–5.6 oz (110–160 g)

Field marks

  1. Large, slim woodpecker with a rounded head, slightly downcurved pointed bill, and long tapered tail.
  2. Brownish-gray upperparts finely barred black; pale underparts densely marked with round black spots.
  3. Bold black crescent-shaped bib across the upper breast.
  4. Bright white rump patch conspicuous in flight.
  5. Underwings and underside of tail flash yellow or red, depending on form; males may show a black or red facial whisker.

HabitatOpen woodlands, forest edges, scattered-tree fields, burned or disturbed woodland, parks, and other open habitats near trees; also uses wet woodland edges.

BehaviorOften forages on the ground for ants and beetles; flies with deep flaps and glides, flashing the white rump and colored wing linings; excavates and uses tree cavities.

Palette

brownish graybuff tanblackwhiteyellow or red-orange