Gilded Flicker

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.

Interactive eBird map: Click here to access an interactive eBird map of Gilded Flicker sightings

Similar Species: Northern Flicker

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". 

Further Information: 1) Cornell's All About Birds - Gilded Flicker

2) Internet Bird Collection - Gilded Flicker

3) Audubon - Gilded Flicker

Photo Information: Photo taken on May 8th, 2008 - Outskirts of Tucson, Arizona - Terry Sohl