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Gilded Flicker

Colaptes chrysoidesOrder: PASSERIFORMESFamily: Woodpeckers (Picidae)

Breeding Location:

Forest, Dense cactuses



Breeding Type:

Monogamous, Solitary nester



Breeding Population:

Fairly common



Egg Color:

White



Number of Eggs:

3 - 5



Incubation Days:

11 - 14



Egg Incubator:

Both sexes



Nest Material:

Bark chips.



Migration:

Nonmigratory



Splitbar

Overview

Gilded Flicker: Large woodpecker with dark barred and spotted brown back, brown cap, pale gray face and throat, red moustache stripe, white rump, thick black crescent on upper breast, and black spotted, pale buff underparts. It was named for the gold color of its underwings and tail.

Range and Habitat

Gilded Flicker: Resident from southeastern California and central Arizona south into Mexico. Preferred habitats include saguaro deserts, cottonwood-lined streams, and towns.

Breeding and Nesting

Gilded Flicker: Three to five white eggs are laid in a tree or cactus cavity, utility pole, or birdhouse. Incubation ranges from 11 to 14 days and is carried out by both parents.

Foraging and Feeding

Gilded Flicker: Eats insects, wild berries, and cactus fruits; forages on the ground.

Readily Eats

Suet, Sunflower Seed, Nuts, Sugar Water, Fruit

Vocalization

Gilded Flicker: Song is a bold, repetitive "wick-er." Call is a long, drawn-out, explosive "kleeee-yer."

Similar Species

Gilded Flicker: Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) has red nape and gray crown; male also has black moustache stripe. Northern Flicker (Red-shafted) has red underwings and gray nape; female also has pale brown moustache stripe.

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Family
Species Colaptes chrysoides
Length10 - 12 Inches
Wingspan18 Inches

Gilded Flicker

Gilded Flicker: Large woodpecker with dark barred and spotted brown back, brown cap, pale gray face and throat, red moustache stripe, white rump, thick black crescent on upper breast, and black spotted, pale buff underparts. It was named for the gold color of its underwings and tail.

● Song: "wick-er", "kleeee-yer"

● Foraging & Feeding: Gilded Flicker: Eats insects, wild berries, and cactus fruits; forages on the ground.

● Breeding & nesting: Gilded Flicker: Three to five white eggs are laid in a tree or cactus cavity, utility pole, or birdhouse. Incubation ranges from 11 to 14 days and is carried out by both parents.

● Similar species: Gilded Flicker: Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) has red nape and gray crown; male also has black moustache stripe. Northern Flicker (Red-shafted) has red underwings and gray nape; female also has pale brown moustache stripe.

Flight Pattern

Alternates several rapid shallow wing beats with short glides with wings folded to sides.
Gilded Flicker Breeding Male Body Illustration
● Range & Habitat: Gilded Flicker: Resident from southeastern California and central Arizona south into Mexico. Preferred habitats include saguaro deserts, cottonwood-lined streams, and towns.
BreedingMonogamous, Solitary nester
PopulationFairly common
MigrationNonmigratory
Weight3.9 Ounces