General

Gilded Flicker: Large woodpecker with dark barred and spotted brown back, brown cap, pale gray face and throat, red moustache stripe, white rump, thick black crescent on upper breast, and black spotted, pale buff underparts. Yellow underwings are visible in flight. Female lacks red moustache stripe.

Range and Habitat

Gilded Flicker: This species is a resident in desert southwest regions of North America, including southeastern California, extreme southern Nevada, and central Arizona south into northwestern Mexico and Baja California. Its preferred habitats include saguaro deserts, cottonwood-lined streams, and towns.

Breeding and Nesting

Gilded Flicker: Three to five white eggs are laid in a tree or cactus cavity, utility pole, or birdhouse. Incubation ranges from 11 to 14 days and is carried out by both parents.

Foraging and Feeding

Gilded Flicker: Eats insects, wild berries, and cactus fruits; forages on the ground.

Vocalization

Gilded Flicker: Song is a bold, repetitive "wick-er." Call is a long, drawn-out, explosive "kleeee-yer."

Similar Species

Gilded Flicker: Northern Flicker (Red-shafted) has red underwings and gray nape; female also has pale brown moustache stripe.