Scientific Name: Colaptes chrysoides

Residency: Year-round resident in nothern, eastern and central Arizona. Winters in southwestern Arizona.

Diet: This bird eats insects and during breeding season, fruits, berries, nuts and seeds (will visit bird feeders). Owing to a hammering system that is weaker than other woodpeckers, the Northern Flicker forages upon the ground, mostly catching ants and beetles. The saliva of the Northern Flicker contains an antacid that neutralize the acid within ants.

Predators:  Adults and fledglings are taken by Sharp-shinned Hawks, Cooper's Hawk,  Broad-winged Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, and Northern Harrier.  Red-headed Woodpecker, American Crow, Fish Crow, bull snake, and Blue Jay are known to eat nestlings.

Nesting: Lays 5-9 white eggs in excavated cavities, in a tree, cactus or post. Will also use a nest-box. Both male and female build the nest and raise one or two broods per year.

Nesting Records:

Notes: The Northern Flicker appears to be in decline, presumably due to habitat loss (including loss of stags), and through competition of resources with the European Starling.