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There are actually two sub-species: the Red-shafted, shown here with its bright red "moustache" is predominate Western North America; and the Yellow-shafted, which is more familiar in Eastern North America has a beige face, black moustache and red spot on the back of the head. |
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The female Northern Flicker lacks the facial red patches (left), however she still has sticking plumage. As the bird flies off, you'll notice a bright flash of white on the rump.
Together a pair of Northern Flickers will build a nest in a hole in which they raise their young. In the picture above, two males vie for their parents' attention and food. |
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The Northern Flicker spends a lot of time in open spaces where it forages on the ground for ants and other insects. When ants are not available or the ground is snow-covered, the flicker will feed on berries, nuts or fruit. |
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