West vs. East: Northern Flicker subspecies

Did you know that there are 2 subspecies of Northern flickers in Canada. Here, in the west the common one is the Red-shafted variation and more eastern Canada will have the Yellow-shafted subspecies. Here are some clear distinctions between them that can help you tell them apart.

First, male flickers will have a "mustache" on their cheeks that is not found on the females. The Red-shafted flicker will have a red mustache while the Yellow-shafted flicker will have a black mustache. If the flickers are females, then it gets trickier. This is when you have to look at the colouration on the bottom of their tail feathers or their primary flight feathers and when their naming convention come in handy. The Red-shafted flicker has a rusty/red colour on their feathers and the Yellow-shafted flicker will have yellow instead. This colouration can be easier to see when they are in flight. The males will also follow the same colour pattern as the females.

Most likely the only one you'll see in the Okanagan and Similkameen are the Red-shafted ones, but if you are ever in eastern Canada, try to look for the differences with your our eyes.