FLICKER, the name given in North America to large, ant eating woodpeckers of the genus Colaptes. Both sexes have a red band on the nape. The golden-winged flicker (C. auratus) has the under surface of wings and tail bright, golden yellow ; it is found in the South Atlantic States, while a subspecies (C. A. luteus) is widely distributed over the Northern States, east of the Rocky mountains. The red-shafted flicker (C. ca f er collaris) with the under surface of wings and tail red, is found from the eastern slope of the Rocky mountains to the Pacific. A subspecies extends to Alaska. The gilded flicker (C. chrysoides) has the lining of wings and tail yellow, but lacks the red nuchal patch ; it is found in southern California and Arizona.