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Daily Bucket - Northern Flickers repel Red-headed Woodpecker assault. [1]

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Date: 2025-04-24

The finale of last year’s encounter was the eviction of the Northern Flicker couple. This year, that has not been the case. I do not know the status of the chicks inside the power pole (nest site) but this Flicker couple (as opposed to last year’s pair) are willing to fight relentlessly to maintain control of the site. My hours of recording confirmed that fact.

* * *

Last year’s diary had more physical interaction between the birds than this year’s submissions. I wanted to show the techniques the Red-headed Woodpeckers incorporated while attempting to extract the Flickers. The Flickers had only two defensive strategies, block the hole and rotate or substitute ( to relieve) the defender.

27 second video establishes the setting and individuals involved



The male Flicker (shown in the film above) has a red band on the back of his head. The Red-heads are almost indiscernible to identify sex. Even though I know these individual birds, I could only guess which Red-head was assaulting the nest.

The Red-heads tried intimidation through a constant presence and proximity for the first several hours. I observed that the woodpeckers would tap the pole lightly to keep the anxiety level of the defending Flicker high. The Red-heads would also move to “blind spots” before some assaults.

38 second video



The Red-headed Woodpecker attempted to grab the Flicker by it’s beak and pull the Flicker out of the nest forcefully. My previous videos show the dynamics of that process. That violence was not the topic of today’s submission so I excluded most of that in today’s films. I have included some sparing between agitator and defendant.

44 second video



Red-heads are known for storing food for emergency use. The following video shows a combatant eating a few seeds from a pantry on the top of the power pole. This strategic location permitted a visual on the nest opening (a few feet below), time to rest between assaults and provided a stage for alert calls (intimidation tactic and possible request for assistance from other members). Red-headed Woodpeckers are known to develop community nest sites. It was possible the Red-heads could get assistance for the siege.

1:11 minute video



Northern Flickers are not known to store food. They need fresh water and food for energy. Protecting the nest meant constant alternation between the adults during the day. The following video was recorded later in the afternoon. Neither species are prone to skirmishes for long periods so open encounters are brief with limited injury.

47 second video



I am compelled to watch the drama unfold and will monitor the nest site until a conclusion is reached. I will report my observations. Day 5 and no change as Flickers retain control of the nest site.

Red-headed woodpeckers drill several nest sites near the traditional home site. Any one of these alternate sites can be used to raise chicks. That may happen this year.

* *

My Bug of the Day is seen everywhere these days (at least in Eastern US). Any flower available has a Spicebush Swalowtail — Pterourus troilus arriving or leaving in search of nectar.

Most of the day, this is the best image you will see of a Spicebush Swallowtail

Near the end of the day (if temps have dropped slightly) and a Swallowtail has found the “All you can eat Buffet”, this will be the upper wing view of these Spring fliers.

I hope you will share your bits of nature with us.

NOTE: It’s 6 am this morning and I may have to work (weather permitting). I will return as soon as I can to participate and respond to all comments. Thank you for understanding.

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