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Colaptes auratus

A fairly common, 12 inch bird, native to Virginia all year round.

Males have black and tan checkered back and a tan belly with black spots. The have a black necklace and mustache and a red spot on the nape of their neck shaped like a heart.

Females are the same as males except they do not have a mustache.

Juveniles are the same as adult of the same sex.

Northern Flickers eat insects, and occasionally suet. They mostly feed on the ground looking for ants or beetles. Their underwings and tail show golden when flying. There are more in the winter months due to northern migrators.