Andean flicker
The Andean flicker is a distinctive woodpecker species found in the open, high-altitude landscapes of South America, including the páramo and puna. It is characterized by its terrestrial foraging behavior, colonial nesting in earthen banks, and a varied vocal repertoire. This species is widespread across several Andean countries and is currently listed as Least Concern.
Key Facts
- ›Found in Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador, and Peru.
- ›Inhabits open country such as páramo, puna, and montane scrublands at high elevations (2,000-5,000 meters).
- ›Primarily forages on the ground, probing for insects like beetles and larvae.
- ›Nests colonially in cavities excavated in earthen banks or soil on rock faces.
- ›Possesses a diverse vocalization, including piercing calls, contact/alarm sounds, and descending trills.
- ›Considered Least Concern by the IUCN, with stable, though unquantified, populations.
Northern Andean Flicker, Southern Andean Flicker
Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador, Peru
- PáRamo
- Puna
- Polylepis Woodland
- Montane Scrublands
- Open Country
- Mixed Rock, Grass, and Higher Vegetation Landscapes
Dark Slate Gray, Brown, Light Brown, Buffy White, Black, Red, Orange-Buff, Whitish, Yellow
- Males have a black malar stripe with red tips on feathers, females have an all-black malar stripe.
- Males may have red on their hindneck, which females lack.
- Uppertail coverts are white with narrow dark bars.
- Flight feathers are dark brown with narrow pale buff bars.
- Underparts are whitish with a variable orange-buff wash and small blackish marks.
Insects, Beetles, Large Larvae, Other Adult Insects
Almost entirely terrestrial, Drops from vantage point to probe and dig, Sweeps away pebbles and debris, Returns to elevated perch after foraging
Earthen Banks, Soil On Rock Faces
Loud, Piercing Kweeir, Loud Tew-Tew-Tew, Kwa-Kwa-Kwa, Wee-A, Wee-A Or Kway-áP Call, Single Or Grouped Peek Or Kek, Clear Descending Trill, Brrrridip
About Andean flicker
Andean Flicker (Colaptes rupicola)
The Andean flicker is a medium-sized woodpecker species, measuring approximately 32 cm in length, recognized for its preference for open, high-altitude environments across the Andes mountains of South America. Its range extends through Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador, and Peru, where it inhabits landscapes such as the páramo, puna grasslands, Polylepis woodlands, and montane scrublands. These birds are unique among woodpeckers for their predominantly terrestrial foraging habits, often seen probing and digging on the ground for insects.
Description and Subspecies
Adult Andean flickers exhibit plumage that is generally barred brown and buffy white on the upperparts, with whitish underparts marked with an orange-buff wash and small blackish spots or marks. A key distinction between sexes lies in their head and malar stripe coloration. Males typically display a dark slate gray head with a thin black malar stripe that has red feather tips, and may have a hint of red on their hindneck. Females, conversely, possess an all-black malar stripe and lack red on the hindneck. Three subspecies are recognized: the nominate C. r. rupicola, C. r. cinereicapillus, and C. r. puna, which vary subtly in coloration and markings, with cinereicapillus being notably distinct in its richer tan-buff facial and breast coloration.
Behavior and Ecology
The Andean flicker is primarily a year-round resident, though it may move from higher elevations during periods of heavy snow or cold. Its diet consists mainly of terrestrial insects, including beetles and larvae, which it finds by dropping from perches to the ground. A particularly unusual aspect of its biology is its colonial nesting behavior. Unlike most woodpeckers, they excavate nest cavities in earthen banks or on soil-covered rock faces, often in colonies of ten or more pairs. The breeding season timing can be influenced by local climate conditions, particularly wet season snowfall. The species possesses a rich vocal repertoire, featuring loud calls, contact sounds, and distinct trills used for communication.
Conservation Status
The Andean flicker is currently assessed as Least Concern by the IUCN. Its populations are believed to be stable, and its extensive range and habitat preference do not currently point to immediate conservation threats. The species can be found in several national parks and protected areas within its range.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the scientific name of the Andean flicker?
The scientific name of the Andean flicker is Colaptes rupicola. It belongs to the woodpecker family, Picidae.
Where is the Andean flicker found?
The Andean flicker is distributed across several South American countries, including Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador, and Peru. It prefers high-altitude, open habitats.
What does the Andean flicker eat?
The Andean flicker's diet consists mainly of insects, with a particular focus on beetles (both adult and larval stages) and other large larvae such as those from butterflies. They also consume other adult insects.
How does the Andean flicker forage for food?
Unlike many woodpeckers, the Andean flicker is primarily terrestrial in its foraging. It typically drops from a perch to the ground to probe, dig, and sweep away debris in search of prey, then returns to an elevated spot.
What are the nesting habits of the Andean flicker?
The Andean flicker exhibits unusual nesting behavior for a woodpecker by nesting colonially, often with more than ten pairs in close proximity. They excavate nest cavities in earthen banks or in soil on rock faces.
What is the conservation status of the Andean flicker?
The Andean flicker is assessed by the IUCN as Least Concern. Its populations are believed to be stable, and no immediate threats have been identified.
Related Woodpecker species
Black-necked woodpecker
The black-necked woodpecker is a bird species endemic to Peru, measuring 26 to 27 cm in length. It exhibits distinct plumage differences between males and females, particularly on their heads. This species primarily feeds on ants and their larvae, foraging at various levels within its semi-arid to arid habitat.
Red-headed woodpecker
The red-headed woodpecker is a striking, mid-sized bird found across temperate North America, distinguished by its entirely crimson head and neck, black back, and white belly. It thrives in open country habitats and is known for its omnivorous diet and unique food-caching behavior. While historically common, population declines have led to conservation concerns in parts of its range.
Chilean flicker
The Chilean flicker is a medium-sized woodpecker species found in central and southern Chile and southwestern Argentina. It primarily inhabits semi-open to open landscapes and feeds almost exclusively on ants found on the ground. This species is characterized by its dark slate gray head in males, buffish underparts with blackish brown barring, and a white rump.