Northern Flicker

Cornell’s All About Birds

Annette Allor filmed the Northern Flicker Wicka Dance on February 20, 2022. In this video, two Northern Flickers of the same sex (in this case males) face one another in a highly ritualized “Wicka Dance.” It is usually performed during the early stages of breeding. It is frequently accompanied by the “Wicka” vocalization. The birds face off using their upward-tilted bills as foils creating circles and figure-8s in the air—only rarely touching. The appearance of a third bird (of the opposite sex) increases the intensity of the “dance.” Flashing of the golden linings of wings and tail may occur.