The Northern Flicker is a medium-sized woodpecker found across North America. It is known for its distinctive markings, including a brown body with black spots, a black crescent on its chest, and a white rump. Unlike many woodpeckers, Northern Flickers often forage on the ground for ants and beetles, making them unique among their family. These birds are recognized by their loud, ringing calls and their striking flight patterns. Northern Flickers have two main color variations: the yellow-shafted flicker in the eastern United States and the red-shafted flicker in the western regions. They are also known for their nesting habits, typically creating cavities in trees or wooden structures.