The Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus) is a widespread woodpecker across North America. Unlike many relatives, it spends significant time foraging for ants and other insects on the ground. Its presence is often announced not by sight, but by its loud, varied vocalizations and unique percussion.
The Distinctive Long Call
The most recognizable sound produced by the Northern Flicker is a loud, sustained vocalization that echoes across open areas. This call is a rapid series of notes, often described as a long, high-pitched laugh or a continuous rattle, lasting for several seconds. Listeners frequently transcribe this sound as “wick-wick-wick-wick-wick” or “kik-kik-kik-kik.” This call is primarily for long-distance communication, serving to declare and defend a territory against rivals during the early spring breeding season. Males also use this energetic call to attract a mate from a prominent perch.
Shorter Contact and Alarm Notes
Beyond the characteristic long rattle, flickers employ shorter vocalizations for intimate interactions and warning signals. The “wick-er” or “woikawoikawoika” call is a softer, two-syllable note used during close-range interactions, such as courtship displays. This call maintains contact with a mate or indicates mild agitation. Another common sound is a single, sharp, clear note often transcribed as “kleer” or “peough.” This loud vocalization functions as an alarm, alerting other flickers and nearby birds to the presence of a predator or threat.
The Rhythmic Drumming
In addition to vocal calls, Northern Flickers communicate through mechanical sounds known as drumming, a behavior common to all woodpeckers. The flicker’s drumming is a rapid, short burst of strikes against a resonant surface. This rhythmic percussion is used to announce the bird’s presence, declare a territorial claim, and attract a partner. To maximize sound projection, the flicker often selects surfaces that amplify the noise, such as hollow trees, metal gutters, or chimney caps. This preference for non-wood, highly resonant objects is a frequent cause of noise complaints in suburban and urban environments, especially during the spring.
Regional Differences in Sound and Behavior
The Northern Flicker is a single species with several subspecies groups, notably the “Yellow-shafted” in the East and the “Red-shafted” in the West. Although the fundamental calls and drumming behaviors are consistent across the continent, subtle regional differences exist. The “Gilded Flicker,” found in the desert Southwest, is a close relative with similar vocalizations. All forms exhibit the strongest and most frequent vocal activity during the spring mating season, typically from March through May. These loud, repetitive sounds decrease significantly during the summer and winter months when the birds are less focused on territorial display.