Gilded Flicker
NameGilded Flicker
Common NameGilded Flicker
Scientific NameColaptes chrysoides
FamilyPicidae
Wingspan (cm)46.5
Length (cm)29.5
Weight (g)113.5
Plumage DetailsThis species exhibits a brown cap, gray face, and a prominent black crescent on the upper breast. Its underparts are white with heavy black spotting, while the back is barred with brown and black. Males possess a red malar stripe, and the flight feathers and tail feathers have distinctive yellow shafts, visible when the bird is in flight or stretching.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a loud, repeated 'wick-wick-wick' or 'kew-kew-kew' call, similar to the Northern Flicker but often described as slightly higher-pitched. They also produce a long, rolling drumming sound.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsdesert, forest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in the southwestern United States, primarily Arizona, southeastern California, and southern Nevada, extending south into Baja California, Mexico. It prefers saguaro deserts and riparian woodlands within arid environments.
Identifying FeaturesBrown cap, Gray face, Black crescent on breast, Heavily spotted underparts, Barred back, Yellow feather shafts (visible in flight), Ground foraging behavior
Description
The Gilded Flicker is a medium-sized woodpecker primarily found in arid regions, often seen foraging for ants on the ground. It has a distinctive brown cap, gray face, and heavily spotted underparts, with yellow feather shafts visible in flight.
