The Bermuda flicker is an extinct woodpecker from the genus Colaptes. It was confined to Bermuda and is known only by fossil remains dated to the Late Pleistocene and the Holocene. However, an old travel report by explorer Captain John Smith from the 1600's may also refer to this species.
Region
North Atlantic (Bermuda)
Typical Environment
Confined to the Bermuda archipelago, it would have occupied coastal and inland woodlands dominated by native Bermuda cedar and palmetto, as well as scrub and forest edges. As with other flickers, it probably foraged extensively on the ground in open glades and sandy or grassy areas. Nesting was almost certainly in cavities excavated in softer or decayed trunks. Before human settlement, the island’s predator-poor environment likely allowed relatively tame behavior and use of a variety of lowland habitats.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 80 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Bermuda flicker was an island woodpecker known from Late Pleistocene and Holocene fossil deposits on Bermuda and is now extinct. It likely filled a niche similar to mainland flickers, foraging on the ground for ants and beetles while nesting in tree cavities. An early 1600s account by Captain John Smith may reference this bird, suggesting it persisted into historical times. Its extinction was probably driven by habitat changes and human impacts after settlement.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
undulating flight with strong bursts and brief glides
Social Behavior
Pairs likely formed during the breeding season and defended territories centered on nest cavities. Both sexes probably took part in excavating nest holes in soft or decayed wood. Clutches were likely moderate in size, with both parents contributing to incubation and chick rearing.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations were probably loud, clear series of repeated notes, similar to other flickers’ sharp, rolling calls. Drumming on resonant wood would have served for territorial advertisement and mate attraction.
