Suitable habitat consists of desert riparian woodlands and giant cactus forests with snags for nest cavities. Yearlong, diurnal activity. Territory and home range apparently same. In northern flicker, Incubation 11-16 days, by both sexes. Male provides most of care for altricial young, which fledge at 25-28 days.
Adults apparently pair for life.
Mammals prey on eggs and young. Falcons, accipiters, and buteos have been reported as predators of adults. Potentially competes with European starlings, elf owls, and other cavity nesters for nest sites. Fortieth supplement to the American Ornithologists' Union Check-list of North American Birds. Bent, A. C. 1939.