The northern flicker (Colaptes auratus) is named for the brilliant yellow or red undersides of their wings and tails that cause the birds to resemble flickering flames when they fly. Its scientific name is for its incessant drumming on objects as a form of communication and territory defence – colaptes is from the Greek for to peck and signature bright yellow underwing feathers auratus is Latin for golden. A necklace-like black patch occupies the upper breast, while the lower breast and belly are beige with black spots. This brown woodpecker is found year-round in Cuba, most of the United States, Mexico, and parts of Central America.
