The gilded flicker is a large woodpecker of the Sonoran, Yuma, and eastern Colorado Desert regions of the Southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, including all of the Baja California peninsula except the extreme northwestern region. Yellow underwings distinguish the gilded flicker from the northern flicker found within the same region, which has red underwings.
Region
Southwestern United States and Northwestern Mexico
Typical Environment
Found across the Sonoran, Yuma, and eastern Colorado Desert regions, including southern Arizona, southeastern California, and northwestern Mexico, as well as most of the Baja California Peninsula. It favors desert habitats with tall columnar cacti, especially saguaro, for nesting. It also uses desert riparian corridors with cottonwood and mesquite, desert washes, and open scrub. In Baja California it occupies coastal and inland deserts where suitable nest sites are available. It may occur in suburban desert areas that retain mature saguaros or tall palms.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1600 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This woodpecker is closely tied to saguaro cacti, excavating nest cavities that later become vital shelters (“saguaro boots”) for many other desert animals, including small owls. It often forages on the ground for ants and beetles, unusual for a woodpecker. Where its range meets that of the northern flicker, limited hybridization can occur. Bright yellow underwings and undertail distinguish it in flight.
Temperament
alert and moderately wary
Flight Pattern
undulating flight with short rapid wingbeats and brief glides
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs; forms loose groups in nonbreeding season around rich food sources. Monogamous pairs excavate nest cavities in saguaros or occasionally in trees; both sexes participate in excavation and incubation. Clutch size is moderate, and parents share provisioning duties.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives loud, ringing klee-yer notes and sharp wik-wik calls, often repeated in series. Also drums on resonant surfaces to advertise territory.
