At
one time, the Gilded Flicker was considered a subspecies of the similar
Northern Flicker, but the two
species were split in 1973. The Gilded Flicker does have distinct but subtle
plumage differences. In the small area where the ranges of the two species
overlap, there is limited interbreeding. Given the former treatment of the
species as conspecific with the Northern Flicker, there have been relatively
few independent studies of the species. As such, specifics of breeding
and other behavior details are not completely understood.
Habitat: Strongly preferred habitat are deserts of
the Sonoran Desert with saguaro cactus that are used for nesting. They
will also less frequently use riparian zones with large trees.
Diet: Feeds heavily on insects, with a preference
for ants. They will also feed on fruits and berries, nuts, and seeds.
Behavior: Most foraging is done on the ground.
There, they walk along, stopping to dig in the soil with their bills as they
search for ants, or glean insects from the ground or vegetation when
spotted.
Nesting: The nest is a cavity built by excavating
a hole in a saguaro cactus, or less often, in a large tree in a riparian
zone (such as a cottonwood).
Song: Has a long wika-wika-wika-wika
call. The song is a very audible and long kik-kik-kik-kik-kik.
Migration: Considered a permanent resident
throughout its range, with only short local movements of most populations.
Feeders: They will sometimes attend feeders
for offered fruits.
Conservation Status: Local loss of habitat has
hurt the species in some locations, with overall populations declining
compared to historical levels prior to 1900. However, there are some
indications that populations have stabilized, and they are still locally
common in areas of suitable habitat. The
IUCN lists the Gilded Flicker as a species of "Least Concern".
Photo Information: Photo taken on May 8th, 2008 -
Outskirts of Tucson, Arizona - Terry Sohl