The Chilean flicker is a species of bird in subfamily Picinae of the woodpecker family Picidae. It is found in Argentina and Chile.
Region
Southern Andes and Southern Cone
Typical Environment
Occurs in central and southern Chile and adjacent western Argentina, favoring open woodlands, forest edges, second growth, and agricultural lands with scattered trees. It is common in Valdivian temperate forests, Nothofagus woodlands, and shrub-steppe mosaics. The species also uses forest clearings and edges of pine or eucalyptus plantations where snags are available for nesting. It generally avoids dense, closed-canopy interiors, preferring broken cover with ample ground foraging opportunities.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Chilean flicker is a ground-oriented woodpecker that spends much of its time probing for ants in open habitats and forest edges. Its loud, ringing calls are a hallmark of southern Chile’s temperate forests, and males show a red malar (moustachial) stripe. Like other woodpeckers, it excavates nest cavities in dead or decaying wood, which also benefits other cavity-nesting species.
Araucanía, Chile
In flight
Temperament
wary but approachable in open habitats
Flight Pattern
undulating with short rapid wingbeats and swooping arcs
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups. Pairs excavate nest cavities in dead trees or snags and share incubation and chick-rearing duties. Territorial during the breeding season but may forage loosely near other woodpeckers outside it.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives loud, ringing, repeated calls often rendered as a sharp 'pi-tio' that carries over distance. Also produces short drumming bursts on resonant wood during territorial and courtship displays.
