Northern Flicker on Alert

A Northern Flicker’s Unique Hunting Style

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My usual photography setup involves my deck, but this time, I found myself on the ground near my Washington Hawthorn tree, ready to capture birds feasting on its berries. As I leaned against a cedar tree, a Northern Flicker landed nearby, searching for food. I managed to slowly position my camera and photograph this bird. One of my photos shows the Flicker lifting a leaf to inspect it for insects.

Northern Flicker on Alert
A Northern Flicker pauses momentarily, showcasing its distinctive spotted plumage and black crescent on its chest, as it forages for insects in an open yard.

Northern Flickers stand out among woodpeckers as they primarily forage on the ground rather than drilling into trees. They use their long tongues to extract ants and larvae from the soil. This year, I’ve noticed a significant increase in ants in my yard, and I’ve observed them diligently consuming them.

Ground Forager in Action
The Northern Flicker scans the ground, displaying its barred back and long tail feathers, emphasizing its unique role as a ground-foraging woodpecker.

During the colder months when insect populations decline, Northern Flickers adapt their diet to include more fruits and seeds. While I spotted them around the Hawthorn Tree, I didn’t witness any of them consuming the berries.

Leaf-Lifting for Lunch
Captured in the act, a Northern Flicker lifts a leaf to search for hidden insects beneath, using its sharp bill and keen instincts to hunt for ants and larvae.

Image Details: (First Image)

  • Date: November 17, 2024
  • Time: 9:16 AM
  • Camera: Canon EOS R5 Mark 2
  • Lens: Canon RF 200 – 800
  • ISO: 2500
  • Aperture: f/9
  • Shutter Speed: 1/1000
  • Exposure Compensation: + 0.7

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