Northern Flicker - Ross Feldner

This dapper bird with a loud call of “wicker, wicker, wicker” is also known for its long continuous drumming. Males often return to their favorite drumming spot that is the loudest.

Northern Flicker’s favorite food is ants and more ants. Wielding a worm-like tongue with a hard sharp tip that can be extended far beyond the end of the bill they easily spear insects in a hole. The body of the tongue is covered with sticky spit to capture ants and other small insects. They will also search the ground for ant hills. They also eats a variety of other insects, fruit, sumac and poison ivy!

In addition to ants being the chosen diet, The Northern Flicker sometimes engages in an interesting behavior known as "anting." A bird will lie on the ground near an ant nest, allowing the insects to crawl over and among its feathers. The ants secrete formic acid on the bird's plumage which helps to repel lice and other parasites that commonly infest bird feathers.

Northern Flickers have a secret weapon to help stake out territory, plus attract a mate — a ritualized dance display. This display begins with two male flickers confronting each other, often with a third bird, usually a female, looking on. These dances may continue for hours at a time in short bursts but usually conclude without further conflict, with one bird simply flying away.