The northern flicker is the most common member of the woodpecker family in Colorado.
Woodpeckers are classified as migratory, nongame birds and are protected by the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
Most woodpeckers feed on wood-boring insects, insects on trees and the ground, vegetable matter, berries or tree sap.
Northern flickers have black spots on a tannish-white breast and belly. Males have a black or red mustache from the base of the beak to below the eyes.
During the early spring, woodpeckers hammer to attract mates, to establish and/or defend a territory, to excavate nesting or roosting sites and to search for insects.
The birds especially like to hammer on wooden shingles, cedar or redwood siding, metal or plastic gutters and light posts because these materials produce loud, hollow sounds.
Drumming is most common during early morning and late afternoon and usually ends by July 1.
Tips for coexisting with woodpeckers:
Trying to drive woodpeckers away involves using visual repellents and loud noises.
Woodpeckers are persistent once a pecking site is established so scaring them off requires immediate action.
Prompt repair of holes may encourage woodpeckers to leave and may deter other woodpeckers.
Hawk silhouette mobiles may be successful in deterring woodpeckers. Owl silhouettes have been shown to be less successful.
Hanging plastic strips, reflective pinwheels and pie tins may also discourage them.
Placing cavity-type nest boxes on buildings in the vicinity of flicker damage has shown some success. Once established, nesting woodpeckers defend their territories and keep other woodpeckers away.
