ExploreBirds

Gilded Flicker

Colaptes chrysoides

The Gilded Flicker is a colorful woodpecker with a golden hue. They love to peck on trees and make funny sounds. You can often see them in open woodlands and grasslands.

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The Gilded Flicker is a medium-sized woodpecker with a brownish-barred back and a pale, spotted belly marked by a distinct black crescent on its chest. Its most striking feature is the bright yellow-orange flash visible in its wings and tail during flight.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPiciformesFamilyPicidaeGenusColaptes
Gilded Flicker
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Gilded Flicker

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Gilded Flickers eat thousands of ants and termites using their super long sticky tongue!

Males attract mates by "drumming" on hollow trees or even metal objects!

They often build their cozy nests inside giant saguaro cacti, making unique desert homes!

Unlike most woodpeckers, Gilded Flickers love to find tasty food foraging right on the ground.

Special abilities

Ability

Desert Driller

Gilded Flicker can excavate sturdy nest cavities in tough saguaro cacti using its strong beak.

Ability

Ant Magnet Tongue

Gilded Flicker has an incredibly long, barbed, sticky tongue that helps them extract ants from deep crevices.

Ability

Vertical Grip

Gilded Flicker has zygodactyl feet and stiff tail feathers that help them cling vertically to tree trunks.

Measurements & details

Length
28-31 cm
Wingspan
42-51 cm
Weight
0.1-0.15 kg
Lifespan
5-12 years
Top Speed
50 km/h
Clutch Size
3-5
Incubation
11-14 days

Diet & Feeding

These birds mainly feast on insects, especially ants, found on the ground or in trees.

Primary Foods

  • Ants
  • Termites
  • Beetles
  • Caterpillars
  • Wild fruits
  • Berries

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Enjoy watching birds from a distance, and don't try to touch or catch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Gilded Flicker?

28-31 cm

What is Gilded Flicker's wingspan?

42-51 cm

How much does Gilded Flicker weigh?

0.1-0.15 kg

How long does Gilded Flicker live?

5-12 years

How fast can Gilded Flicker move?

50 km/h

What does Gilded Flicker eat?

These birds mainly feast on insects, especially ants, found on the ground or in trees.

Where is Gilded Flicker usually found?

Grasslands

How does Gilded Flicker hunt?

Foraging

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