The Northern Flicker: A Striking Woodpecker with a Colorful Personality

If you’ve ever spotted a large, dappled bird with a bold black "necklace" and a red/orange patch on the back of its head, chances are you’ve met a Northern Flicker. These eye-catching members of the woodpecker family measure about 12 to 14 inches long and are full of surprises—not just in how they look, but how they live.

Northern Flickers are easily recognized by their black-barred backs and wings, along with that distinctive black chest patch. But what really sets them apart are the many nicknames they’ve gathered over the years: clape, gaffer woodpecker, harry-wicket, heigh-ho, wake-up, walk-up, wick-up, yarrup, and even gawker bird. With names like those, you know this bird has made an impression!

Unlike many other woodpeckers that drill into trees for insects, Northern Flickers often forage on the ground. Their favorite food? Ants—by the thousands. In fact, their stomachs have been found to hold more ants than you’d think possible for a single bird. But they don’t stop there. Flickers also snack on beetles, caterpillars, and wild fruits like cherries, dogwood berries, sumac, and even poison ivy. When winter rolls around, they may show up at suet feeders, adding a pop of life to a snowy day.

A Personal Encounter

I first met this beautiful bird in the summer of 2020 while birding with my mom at Beach Plum Farm in Ogunquit. It was an unforgettable moment. The Flicker seemed almost unbothered by our presence, gracefully hopping along the ground as it hunted for insects. I was instantly captivated by its unique markings and quiet confidence.

That peaceful moment inspired the graphic artwork I created of the Northern Flicker—an ode to the wild charm and beauty of this often-overlooked woodpecker.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed creating it.

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