Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus)
The Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus) is a striking woodpecker species known for its distinctive markings and migratory behavior, commonly found in parks around Montreal. This bird primarily feeds on insects and can be easily identified by the black bars on the sides of the male's head and breast.
Common Names
| 🇨🇦 | Northern Flicker |
| 🇫🇷 | Pic flamboyant |
| 🇩🇪 | Goldspecht |
| 🇲🇽 | Carpintero escapulario |
Taxonomy
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
Characteristics
| Length | 28-36cm |
| Weight | 86-167g |
| Wingspan | 42-54cm |
| Clutch Size | 3-12 eggs |
| Incubation | 11-16 days |
| Fledging | 24-27 days |
| Sexual Maturity | 1 year |
Explore More
📖 Wikipedia Page: For more information about this species.
🎧 Apple Podcast: About this species' biology, behavior and ecological importance.
Best Locations and Seasons for Sightings
The Northern Flicker can be observed in parks around Montreal from mid-spring through autumn. Although they are often reported to feed on the ground, I have yet to witness this behavior personally. Typically, I observe them in the upper sections of large trees.
| Location | Spring | Summer | Autumn | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boisé Des Douze | x | - | - | - |
| Parc Angrignon | x | x | - | - |
| Parc Michel-Chartrand | x | - | - | - |
| Parc de la Frayère | x | x | - | - |
| Saguenay St. Lawrence Marine Park | - | x | - | - |
| Parc Nature Pointe aux Prairies | x | - | - | - |
"x" indicates the species was observed, while "-" indicates no observation. Lack of observation doesn't necessarily imply that the species is absent. Data is derived from my park visit journals.
Identification and Similar Species
The Northern Flicker is a grey-brown woodpecker with distinctive horizontal dark stripes on its back and a prominent red bar on the back of its head. In flight, it reveals a striking yellow coloration beneath its wings, which is reflected in its German and French common names.
Captured Moments
Videos are hosted on YouTube. Click on a thumbnail to watch it.
Feeding Young Recorded 2019-06-24 in Parc Bernard-Landry 
Nest Building Recorded 2019-05-11 in Parc Bernard-Landry
All content on this page — including photos, videos, and field audio recordings — was created by Karl-Heinz Müller, a Montréal-based wildlife filmmaker, sound recordist, and photographer. Founder of MUUUH and Québec Sauvage, he has spent over a decade documenting Canada’s natural habitats through immersive soundscapes and wildlife films. Learn more about Karl-Heinz
Last updated: 2025-01-02