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Here are some interesting facts about hatchling Northern Flickers (a type of woodpecker native to North America): 1. Naked and Helpless at Birth • Hatchling Northern Flickers are altricial, meaning they hatch naked, blind, and helpless. • They rely entirely on their parents for warmth, food, and protection. 2. Incubation and Hatching • Eggs are incubated for about 11–14 days. • Both male and female parents take turns incubating the eggs, with the male usually incubating at night. 3. Nest Location • Flickers nest in tree cavities, often excavated by the parents themselves. • Occasionally, they use abandoned holes made by other woodpeckers or even nest boxes. 4. Feeding • Parents feed hatchlings by regurgitating insects, primarily ants and beetles. • As they grow, the diet diversifies slightly but remains insect-heavy. 5. Growth and Development • Hatchlings grow rapidly. Within about 17–27 days, they develop feathers and are ready to fledge (leave the nest). • Both parents continue feeding the fledglings for a short time after they leave the nest. 6. Sibling Behavior • Nestlings can be noisy and competitive, begging loudly when a parent returns with food. • Despite competition, flicker parents typically feed all chicks evenly. 7. Vulnerability • Hatchlings are vulnerable to predators such as snakes, squirrels, raccoons, and even larger birds if left unattended. #campwildernestwildlifecenter #birdrehabilitation #nonprofitorganization #nativewildliferescue #wildliferehabber #tenneessee #CampWildernest #wildliferehab #northernflicker #babybirxs (fb)