Gilded Flicker

Colaptes chrysoides

Overview

The Gilded Flicker (Colaptes chrysoides) is a species of woodpecker (family Picidae) in the order of woodpeckers and toucans (Piciformes) of bird (class Aves).

Description

A large-sized woodpecker, very similar to Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus). Overall a pale sandy color, spotted below with a brown crown and gray face and a black oval shaped bib. Golden-yellow underwings distinguish the gilded flicker from the northern flicker which has red underwings. Males have a red mustache stripe, sexes are otherwise similar.

Range

Found in saguaro cactus forests of the Sonoran Desert in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico.