Gilded Flickers can be found in northwestern Mexico and the southwestern US. They are members of the Picidae family and are one of the larger members of that group.1 Originally thought to be the same species as Northern Flickers, the two were considered separate species in the 1970s.2
These birds prefer deserts and groves and often can be found in the Sonoran Desert. There, as cavity nesters, they’ll make their homes in saguaro cacti.3 When they reproduce, females will lay 3-5 eggs in the cavity. They won’t use any other materials to customize their nests like other birds often do. Males and females will share the responsibility of incubating the eggs, which lasts just under two weeks.2
Gilded Flickers don’t really migrate, but they may move from one area to another within the same habitat. They can also be found near humans, as they’ve adapted to being around us.1
When they eat, they’ll go after:3
- Beetles
- Ants
- Fruit
- Nuts
- Seeds
Similar to how Red-breasted Sapsuckers will interbreed with Red-naped Sapsuckers, Gilded Flickers will interbreed with Red-shafted Flickers where their habitat overlaps.3 These birds can live to be 9 years old.1
Have all the tools you need for owl pellet dissection, but just need a refill of the pellets?
We have you covered.
Check out our No-Frills Refills Packs!
|
|
