Northern Flicker

Northern Flickers are large woodpeckers that often forage on the ground searching for ants and insects. Unlike many woodpeckers, they spend a lot of time walking on lawns and open spaces.

They will still visit backyard feeders, especially when offered sunflower seeds, peanuts, or suet. Providing a platform feeder or ground feeding area can help attract them.

Northern Flickers are the rebels of the woodpecker world — they feed on the ground far more than any other woodpecker species. Ants make up a huge portion of their natural diet, which is why insect-based suet is such a strong match. They'll also take peanuts, sunflower chips, and cracked corn. When ants vanish in winter, suet and peanuts become critical energy sources.

Ground-level feeding stations and low suet cages are the key to Flicker happiness. Unlike other woodpeckers, they're comfortable feeding at ground level. Place a suet cage low on a tree trunk or post, and scatter peanuts and corn on a ground tray nearby. They also visit standard-height suet cages but seem most relaxed feeding lower than other woodpeckers.

Flickers nest in tree cavities but feed primarily on the ground — they need both large dead trees for nesting and open lawn areas for ant-hunting. A dead tree near open grass is the ideal combination. They'll also use large nest boxes (10cm/4-inch entrance hole) mounted 2-4 metres high. Avoid treating your lawn with pesticides or ant killers — ants are a Flicker's primary food source. Leaving fallen logs and leaf litter undisturbed creates the ant habitat that Flickers depend on.