Fernandina's Flicker is a rare Cuban endemic which is classified by Birdlife International as Endangered.

It is found in open woodland, grassland and marshes all with palms close by. The palms are required for nesting holes and the destruction of palms by parrot trappers (Cuban Parrot Amazona leucocephala also nest in these palms) as well as nest site competition from other species of woodpecker and general loss of habitat, have led to the serious decline of this attractive bird.

They feed on ants and insect larvae and often forage on the ground.