Ladder-backed Woodpecker vs Northern Flicker

In short

The Ladder-backed Woodpecker and Northern Flicker can be distinguished by their size and plumage patterns. The Ladder-backed Woodpecker is smaller with a distinctive ladder-like pattern on its back, while the Northern Flicker is larger and has a more varied plumage with noticeable differences in the color of its flight feather shafts.

Identification tips

1. Size: Ladder-backed Woodpecker is smaller. 2. Back Pattern: Ladder-backed has a ladder-like pattern. 3. Flight Feather Shafts: Northern Flicker has yellow or red shafts, depending on subspecies.

Size

The Ladder-backed Woodpecker is smaller than the Northern Flicker.

Plumage

Ladder-backed Woodpecker has a ladder-like pattern on its back and less black on the face and upper back. Northern Flicker shows more varied plumage with yellow or red shafts on its flight feathers, depending on the subspecies.