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.
Key Facts
- ›Found in Chile and southwestern Argentina.
- ›Feeds primarily on ants, their larvae, and pupae, foraging mostly on the ground.
- ›Males have a dark slate gray head with buffish malar areas; females lack spots on the malar area and red on the nape.
- ›Excavates nest cavities in dead trees or snags.
- ›Breeding season is believed to be between October and December.
- ›Assessed by the IUCN as Least Concern with a believed stable population.
Argentina, Chile
Semi-Open Landscapes, Open Landscapes, Forest Edges, Forest Openings, Open Woodlands, Riparian Woodlands, Tree Plantations, Scrublands
Dark Slate Gray, Buffish, Black, Red, Blackish Brown, White, Buff-White, Brown-Black, Yellowish
Dark slate gray head in adult males, Buffish malar area with fine spots in males, White rump with occasional black spots, Blackish brown barring on underparts
Ants, Ant Larvae, Ant Pupae
Forages On the Ground, Hops About, Pokes and Digs, Sweeps Aside Debris, Investigates Fallen Logs and Stumps, Rarely Forages In Trees
Dead Trees, Snags, Earthen Banks
Long 'Wic Wic Wic' series, Whistled variable 'Kwee', singly or in series, 'Week-A, Week-A'
About Chilean flicker
The Chilean flicker (Colaptes pitius) is a species of woodpecker native to the temperate and Mediterranean climate zones of central and southern Chile and southwestern Argentina. It is a medium-sized bird, measuring approximately 30 cm in length.
Description and Identification
Adult males and females share similar plumage, with the most notable difference being on their heads. Males are characterized by a dark slate gray coloration from forehead to nape, with the nape sometimes showing a hint of red. Their lores and area around the eye are buffish, featuring fine black or black and red spots in the malar region, creating a diffuse patch. The chin and throat are buffish white with black spots on the lower throat. Adult females lack spots on their buffish malar area and never have red on the nape. Both sexes exhibit blackish brown upperparts adorned with narrow white to buff-white bars, and a white rump that may occasionally bear a few black spots. Their flight feathers are dark brown with pale shafts, and the tail is brown-black on top with narrow white bars on the central and outermost feathers, while the underside is yellowish with indistinct barring. The underparts are whitish, marked with wide blackish brown bars on the breast and a mostly plain belly. They possess a longish black bill, whitish to yellowish irises, and gray to green-gray legs. Juveniles resemble adults but have brown eyes, a blacker crown, wider bars on their upperparts, and more spots on their underparts.
Distribution and Habitat
The Chilean flicker's range extends across central and southern Chile, from the Coquimbo Region down to the central Magallanes Region. It is also found in adjacent southwestern Argentina, specifically between the Neuquén and Santa Cruz provinces. This species thrives in semi-open to open landscapes, including the edges and clearings within forests, open woodlands, riparian woodlands, tree plantations, and scrublands. They are typically found at elevations between 600 and 1,000 meters, though they may descend to near sea level during winter.
Behavior and Ecology
Foraging
The Chilean flicker primarily feeds on adult ants, their larvae, and pupae. Foraging typically occurs on the ground, usually in family groups and in proximity to trees. They exhibit a characteristic hopping gait, poking, digging, and clearing away debris in search of food. While they will investigate fallen logs and stumps, they very rarely forage in trees.
Breeding
The breeding season for the Chilean flicker is believed to occur between October and December. They are cavity nesters, excavating their nest sites in dead trees or snags, and occasionally in earthen banks. The species is thought to be highly territorial. A typical clutch consists of four to six eggs. Specific details regarding the incubation period, time to fledging, and parental care are not extensively documented.
Vocalizations
Characteristic vocalizations of the Chilean flicker include a long series of 'wic wic wic' sounds, a whistled, variable 'kwee' that can be given singly or in series, and a 'week-a, week-a' call.
Conservation Status
The Chilean flicker has been assessed by the IUCN as Least Concern. Despite the exact population size being unknown, it is believed to be stable. The species has a large range, occurs in several protected areas, and is considered rather common, with no immediate threats identified.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the scientific name of the Chilean flicker?
The scientific name of the Chilean flicker is Colaptes pitius. It was originally described as Picus Pitius and for a time was placed in the monotypic genus Pituipicus before being merged into Colaptes.
Where is the Chilean flicker found?
The Chilean flicker is distributed across central and southern Chile, from the Coquimbo Region to the central Magallanes Region, and into adjacent southwestern Argentina, specifically in Neuquén and Santa Cruz provinces.
What kind of habitat does the Chilean flicker prefer?
This species favors semi-open to open landscapes such as forest edges and openings, open woodlands, riparian woodlands, tree plantations, and scrublands within temperate and Mediterranean climate zones.
What does the Chilean flicker eat?
The Chilean flicker's diet consists almost entirely of adult ants, along with their larvae and pupae. They forage for these insects primarily on the ground.
How does the Chilean flicker build its nest?
The Chilean flicker excavates its nest cavity in dead trees or snags. Occasionally, they may also nest in an earthen bank.
What are the conservation status and population trend of the Chilean flicker?
The Chilean flicker is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. Its population is believed to be stable, and no immediate threats have been identified.
Related Woodpecker species
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Pale-crested woodpecker
The pale-crested woodpecker is a bird species found in parts of South America, inhabiting semi-deciduous forests, cerrado woodlands, and dry Chaco woodlands, often near palms. It is characterized by its pale blond to buffish head and crest, rufous-black upperparts, and a primary diet of ants.
Downy woodpecker
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