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Gilded Flicker

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description Gilded Flicker Overview

The Gilded Flicker is a large woodpecker species primarily found in the arid environments of the Sonoran Desert. Its geographic range extends across the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. The bird is heavily reliant on columnar cacti, particularly the saguaro cactus, in which it excavates nesting cavities. It feeds mostly on insects, such as ants and beetles, which it typically locates by foraging on the ground.

help Gilded Flicker FAQ

Why do Gilded Flickers nest in saguaro cacti?

Their strong bills let them excavate cavities in mature saguaros, which provide elevated nest sites in the Sonoran Desert. After a flicker leaves, the hardened cavity can be reused by birds such as elf owls.

How can you distinguish a Gilded Flicker from a Northern Flicker?

The Gilded Flicker shows yellow underwings and undertail feathers, while western Northern Flickers usually show reddish-orange flight-feather shafts. Gilded Flickers also have a browner crown and are strongly associated with Sonoran Desert habitat.

What does a Gilded Flicker eat in the desert?

Ants and other ground-dwelling insects make up much of its diet, despite the bird being a woodpecker. It also eats cactus fruit, berries, seeds, and other seasonally available foods.

Where can birders find Gilded Flickers?

Their core range covers the Sonoran Desert of southern Arizona, southeastern California, Baja California, and northwestern mainland Mexico. Saguaro forests and desert washes with large cacti are particularly suitable places to look.

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