The Developmental Process of the Northern Flicker

Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Information on the nestlings gained from research, not personal observation.

Developmental Process of the Northern flicker:

How long do they remain in the nest before they fledge?

According to www.audubon.org, about 4 weeks. I'm assuming this means they are altricial.

The adults will feed the the fledglings at first when they are out of the nest, then the fledglings follow the adults as they forage.

Northern flickers are mature by the age of one year.

Sources: retrieved on May 15, 2016

https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/northern-flicker
http://traderscreek.com/wildlife/northern-flicker-colaptes-auratus/

Life Cycle Information:

Northern flickers do migrate. Most woodpeckers do not. They will leave in September or October and may go as far as Cuba or Nicaragua.

They do not have specialized breeding plumage. The males do have noticeable "mustache" markings that are different from the female plumage (no "mustache").

They molt into the adult plumage from June to October, but I can't find when they molt after that. I bet Peter Pyle knows!!

They can live 9 years in the wild. They love to eat ants, as well as other insects. They also eat berries, seeds and nuts.

They like to feed on the ground.

Its preferred habitat is forest with dead trees. "They are also found in open areas, forest edges, clear-cut areas, burnt areas, agricultural lands, and residential areas (Winkler et al. 1995).They are also found in open areas, forest edges, clear-cut areas, burnt areas, agricultural lands, and residential areas (Winkler et al. 1995).They are also found in open areas, forest edges, clear-cut areas, burnt areas, agricultural lands, and residential areas (Winkler et al. 1995).They are also found in open areas, forest edges, clear-cut areas, burnt areas, agricultural lands, and residential areas (Winkler et al. 1995)."             

"They are also found in open areas, forest edges, clear-cut areas, burnt areas, agricultural lands and residential areas (Winkler et al. 1995)."

Sources: retrieved on May 17, 2016

http://traderscreek.com/wildlife/northern-flicker-colaptes-auratus/
http://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Colaptes_auratus/
Winkler, H., D. Christie, D. Nurney. 1995. Woodpeckers: A guide to the Woodpeckers, Piculets and Wrynecks of the World. Sussex: Pica Press.
Winkler, H., D. Christie, D. Nurney. 1995. Woodpeckers: A guide to the Woodpeckers, Piculets and Wrynecks of the World. Sussex: Pica Press.