The northern yellow-shafted flicker is also known as Luteus. Its scientific name Colaptes comes from the Greek words kolaptos meaning “chisel” and pteron meaning “wing”, referring to this woodpecker’s chisel-like bill and wings.

Auratus means “golden”, describing the yellow underwings and feather shafts that give rise to its common name.

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Identification

The northern yellow-shafted flicker is the usual size of a northern flicker. It has a slim build, short legs, and a long slightly curved bill. Its plumage is mostly brownish-gray on the upperparts with black spotting and barring.

The underparts are buffy with black spots. A distinct black facial “mustache” stripe identifies the male. The most recognizable markings are the golden yellow underwings and yellow feather shafts on the tail, visible when in flight.

Location

The northern yellow-shafted flicker inhabits forests across the northern United States, most of Canada, and into Central America. It is non-migratory across much of its range but northern populations migrate southward for winter.

This woodpecker favors open woods, parks, backyards, and semi-open areas with scattered trees, dead trees, and fallen logs for foraging. Nesting occurs in natural tree cavities or holes they excavate themselves. Their territory size averages around 200 acres.

Uniqueness

This flicker exhibits some unique behaviors. It often feeds on the ground, using its bill to probe for ants and beetles. It is one of the few woodpeckers that regularly eats fruits and seeds in addition to insects.

Flickers are unusual for nesting in tree cavities as well as on the ground. They are very adept at excavating nest holes in soft or decaying wood. Beyond drumming, flickers use a variety of vocalizations to communicate, with the male’s “wicka” call used to defend territory and attract mates.

The undulating flight style and flashing yellow wings and tail make the northern flicker one of the most visually distinctive woodpeckers. Its striking black, white, brown, and golden yellow plumage patterns are also unique.