Bird of the Week: CLXXII
The Gilded Flicker, Colaptes chrysoides, is a large-bodied woodpecker with a long bill that lives in the Sonoran Desert and can be found from central Arizona to southeastern California and south into Mexico. It looks similar to the Gila Woodpecker that I wrote about HERE.
SIZE:
- Length: 11 inches (28 cm)
- Weight: 3.3-4.5 oz (92-129 g)
- Wingspan: 19.7-20.5 inches (50-52 cm)
COLORING
Gilded Flickers are pale brown and gray with a large black mark on their chest, bold spots on the breast, finely barred back, and a cinnamon crown. You can see their white behind while they are in flight along with yellow feathers under their wings. Males are distinguished from females with their red mustache. You can see the female in the above photos and male below.
They forage on the ground for insects including ants and their larvae and beetles. They also eat seeds and fruits of cactus. They have a long tongue that helps them lap up insects.
Gilded Flickers are monogamous and mate for life, but if their mate dies they may pair with a new one.
In the desert, they make nests in the holes hallowed out in giant saguaro cactus as well as cottonwood trees along rivers.
CALLS:
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Gilded_Flicker/sounds
We have a northern flicker who is similar but a bit more dramatic in appearance.
Same as Rivergirl, we have the northern flicker that may have reddish or even yellow markings, although I don’t think that I’ve ever seen one…yet!
Great photos Elizabeth. Stunning looking birds. You would know when they were around
I had a question about cameras on my site today that I hope you might give me some insight. Enjoy the day, lots of information about these birds. I keep trying to think about photographing the cardinal but it is a tad shy of being photographed.