The Northern Flicker and the Southern Flicker are two subspecies of the Yellow-shafted Flicker bird that is found throughout much of North America. While quite similar in appearance and behavior, there are some key differences between the Northern Flicker and the Southern Flicker in terms of their distribution, physical characteristics, diet, habitat, and vocalizations.
Distribution
The Northern Flicker is found across much of Canada, Alaska, and the northern United States. Its range extends as far north as the tree line in Canada and Alaska. To the south, it is found in the western United States down to Texas and Nebraska. In the east, it ranges south to North Carolina.
The Southern Flicker is found in the southeastern United States ranging from eastern Texas across the Gulf Coast states and north up the Atlantic Coast to Maryland. There is a region of overlap where both subspecies occur across the central United States.
Physical Characteristics
In terms of physical appearance, the Northern Flicker and Southern Flicker are quite similar. They are both medium-sized woodpeckers with brown barred plumage on their backs and wings and black spotted underparts.
Some key physical differences:
– The Northern Flicker has a gray face and red mustache stripe. The Southern Flicker has a tan face and no mustache stripe.
– The Northern Flicker has a yellow shaft on the tail and wing feathers. The Southern Flicker has a salmon pink shaft.
– Male Northern Flickers have a red nape crescent on the back of the neck. This feature is yellow in male Southern Flickers.
– The Southern Flicker tends to be slightly smaller in size, with a shorter bill and wings.
Size Comparison
| Feature | Northern Flicker | Southern Flicker |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 11-13 inches | 9-12 inches |
| Wingspan | 17-21 inches | 16-18 inches |
| Weight | 5.9-8.5 oz | 4.5-7 oz |
Diet
Both subspecies are omnivorous, feeding on a combination of insects and vegetation. Their diets are quite similar.
Some key dietary differences:
– The Northern Flicker relies more heavily on beetles and ants. The Southern Flicker incorporates more fruit and seeds like berries, wild grapes, sumac, and sunflower seeds.
– The Northern Flicker feeds more frequently on the ground. The Southern Flicker feeds more in trees and bushes.
– In winter, the Northern Flicker shifts its diet to eat more plant material. The Southern Flicker maintains a more insect-heavy diet year round.
Common Food Sources
| Northern Flicker | Southern Flicker |
|---|---|
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Habitat
The Northern and Southern Flicker occupy similar woodland and forest habitats across their ranges.
Some key habitat differences:
– The Northern Flicker is more adapted to northern boreal forests dominated by spruce, fir, aspen, and birch.
– The Southern Flicker thrives in more southern pine and oak woodlands.
– The Southern Flicker tolerates more open habitat and urban areas than the Northern Flicker.
– The Northern Flicker relies on mature trees for nest cavities. The Southern Flicker can nest in younger trees.
Preferred Habitats
| Northern Flicker | Southern Flicker |
|---|---|
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Vocalizations
The vocalizations of the Northern and Southern Flicker are quite distinct and can be used to identify the subspecies.
Some key differences in calls:
– The Northern Flicker makes a loud, ringing call described as “kyeer”.
– The Southern Flicker makes a lower-pitched “kleer” call.
– During breeding season, the Northern Flicker makes a fast, rolling “wik-a-wik-a-wik-a” call. The Southern Flicker has a slower, shorter “wik” breeding call.
– The knocks made by the Northern Flicker on trees and poles are faster and higher-pitched. The Southern Flicker makes lower, slower knocking sounds.
Call Comparison
| Call Type | Northern Flicker | Southern Flicker |
|---|---|---|
| Common call | “kyeer” | “kleer” |
| Breeding call | Fast, rolling “wik-a-wik-a-wik-a” | Slower, shorter “wik” |
| Knocking sounds | Faster, higher pitched | Lower, slower |
Conclusion
While the Northern Flicker and Southern Flicker share many traits and behaviors common to both yellow-shafted flickers, there are some subtle but important distinctions between these two subspecies. The key differences lie in their distribution ranges, physical features like size and color patterns, dietary preferences, habitat selection, and vocalizations. Paying attention to these distinguishing characteristics will help identify whether a flicker observed is a Northern or Southern subspecies. With a close eye and ear in the field, an experienced birdwatcher can confidently differentiate between the two.
