Gilded Flicker
Least ConcernColaptes chrysoides
Visual Identification
Gilded Flicker
Appearance
The Gilded Flicker is a medium-sized woodpecker with distinctive brown and yellow plumage. Its back is barred brown and white, while its underwings and tail display a striking golden-yellow color. The bird has a grey bill, a brown crown, and a grey face.
Males feature a red malar stripe (mustache) below the eye, which females lack. Otherwise, both sexes are alike in coloring and size and have black crescents on their chests and white rumps visible during flight.
Juvenile Gilded Flickers have similar markings to adults, but the coloring is less bold. The cheek stripe and black bib may be visible, but they are far less obvious and less vibrant.
Size
Length
28cm to 31cm
Wingspan
43cm to 48cm
Weight
95g to 130g
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Gilded Flickers are primarily found in the Sonoran Desert regions of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. They inhabit areas with saguaro cacti, mesquite woodlands, and desert scrub vegetation.
Their range in the United States is limited to parts of Arizona and southeastern California. They are year-round residents in these areas, showing little seasonal variation in their distribution patterns.
Elevation Range
Up to 900 meters
Climate zones
Arid, Subtropical
Distribution Map
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Diet
Gilded Flickers primarily feed on insects, with ants forming a significant portion of their diet. They also consume beetles, larvae, and other ground-dwelling invertebrates.
During certain seasons, these woodpeckers supplement their diet with fruits, seeds, and occasionally small lizards found in their desert habitat.
Behaviour
Gilded Flickers are primarily ground foragers, often seen probing the soil with their bills for insects. They exhibit a unique 'flicker dance' during courtship, where males bob their heads and spread their wings to display their colorful undersides. These birds are generally non-migratory and maintain year-round territories in their desert habitats.
Vocalisation
The Gilded Flicker's call is a loud, rolling 'wicka-wicka-wicka' or 'flick-a, flick-a,' similar to other flicker species. During the breeding season, males produce a rhythmic drumming sound by rapidly pecking on resonant objects, often cacti or trees. They also emit a softer 'peah' note as a contact call between mates or family members.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding season for Gilded Flickers typically begins in late spring. Males attract females through drumming displays and vocalizations. Pairs often form long-term bonds and may use the same nesting site for multiple years.
These woodpeckers excavate nesting cavities primarily in saguaro cacti, though they occasionally use other large cacti or trees. The female lays 3-5 white eggs in the unlined cavity.
Both parents share incubation duties for about 11-14 days. After hatching, the nestlings remain in the cavity for approximately 28-30 days before fledging. Parents continue to feed and care for the young for several weeks after they leave the nest.
Lifespan
years
The Gilded Flicker typically lives for 5 to 7 years.
Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While currently listed as Least Concern, Gilded Flickers face threats from habitat loss due to urban development and agricultural expansion in desert areas.
Conservation efforts focus on preserving saguaro cactus forests and educating the public about the importance of maintaining desert ecosystems.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Gilded Flickers near saguaro cacti, where they often nest
- Listen for their distinctive 'wicka-wicka-wicka' call
- Observe ground areas in desert landscapes for foraging behavior
- Visit desert regions of Arizona and southeastern California for the best chances of spotting
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Flicker dorado
Family:
PicidaePredators
Main predators of Gilded Flickers include hawks, falcons, and larger owls. Ground-dwelling predators like coyotes and snakes may also pose threats, especially to nestlings.
Did You Know?
- Gilded Flickers are one of the few woodpecker species adapted to life in hot, arid desert environments.
- Their saliva contains anticoagulant properties, which helps them catch and consume ants more efficiently.
- These birds play a crucial role in creating nesting cavities later used by other desert wildlife species.
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References
- 1 3
website: BirdLife International. 2016. Colaptes chrysoides. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T22681290A92900551.
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website, 2024: Partners in Flight
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