How To Deter Flicker Birds

Northern Flickers, also known as Flicker Birds, are medium-sized woodpeckers that are admired for their handsome black-scalloped plumage and distinctive red or yellow wing shafts. However, these birds can cause problems for homeowners, from pecking on homes to causing significant physical damage to buildings. This comprehensive guide will provide you with detailed information and practical solutions on how to deter Flicker Birds from your property.

Identifying Flicker Birds

Before we dive into the solutions, it’s essential to know how to identify these birds. Flickers are fairly large woodpeckers with a slim, rounded head, slightly downcurved bill, and long, flared tail that tapers to a point. Their coloration varies based on their type – yellow-shafted or red-shafted. They also produce loud, repeated calls such as “flicker” or “wicka-wicka-wicka” and short bursts of drumming, which can be heard in spring.

Problems Caused by Flicker Birds

Flicker Birds can cause several issues for homeowners, such as:

1. Pecking on homes: Flickers may peck on homes for various reasons, such as broadcasting their territory or attracting a mate.
2. Physical damage to buildings: Flickers can cause significant damage to buildings, resulting in costly repairs.
3. Insect infestation: If Flickers are pecking holes in your siding, it could be an indication that you have an insect infestation.
4. Noise: Flickers can create loud drumming noises when they peck on gutters, metal pipes, or siding, which can be irritating for homeowners.

Natural, Non-Harmful Ways to Deter Flicker Birds

There are several natural and non-harmful ways to deter Flicker Birds:

• Provide alternative nesting sites: Install an appropriately sized birdhouse with the entrance hole size and interior dimensions that Flickers prefer.
• Use netting: Hang netting, like the ones used to protect fruit trees, on your house to prevent Flickers from gaining access.
• Reflective objects: Hang shiny objects like CDs, foil strips, or reflective tape near the areas where Flickers are pecking.
• Decoys: Place decoys of predators, such as owls or hawks, near areas where Flickers visit frequently.
• Sound deterrents: Use sound-activated devices to scare the birds away.
• Bird spikes: Install bird spikes on surfaces like window sills, ledges, and eaves to make it difficult for Flickers to land.

Effective Tools and Products

There are several products and tools that have been proven effective in deterring Flicker Birds:

• Bird Deterrent Heavy Duty Woodpecker Flasher
• Scare devices: Hawk silhouettes, mirrors, plastic strips, and pinwheels.
• Optical Gel
• Visual Bird Deterrents: Decoy owls, reflective and holographic devices such as scare tape, bird scare eye balloons, and fly away lasers.
• Bird Banisher
• FireFly WM Bird Hazing Device
• Bird Gard

Maintaining a Flicker Bird-Free Property

To maintain a Flicker Bird-free property in the long term, you can use a combination of bird deterrents and exclusion methods. These include bird repellent, bird netting, visual deterrents, audio deterrents, bird spikes, habitat modification, and predator decoys.

Remember that the effectiveness of these methods may vary depending on the bird species and the specific conditions of your property. It’s essential to monitor the situation and adjust your strategies as needed. Combining multiple deterrents and exclusion methods will likely yield the best results in maintaining a bird-free property in the long term.

In conclusion, while Flicker Birds can be a nuisance, there are several effective methods available to deter them from your property. With the right combination of techniques, you can protect your property from these birds while still enjoying their presence from a distance.