<i>Colaptes auratus</i> Length: 11 to 12"
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The Northern Flicker has two forms, the Eastern "yellow-shafted Flicker" and the
western "Red-shafted Flicker".
Examples of both forms are shown below.
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<p>
Northern Flickers are the only woodpeckers to feed on the ground.
Their primary food is insects (mainly ants), although they do eat fruits,
berries, seeds and nuts.
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<p>
I have seen Northern Flickers throughout California and recently in Michigan and Illinois.
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