Gilded Flicker Identification

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The Four Keys to ID

  • Size & Shape

    A fairly large, stout-bodied woodpecker with a long, pointed bill that curves slightly downward.

    Relative Size

    Larger than a Gila Woodpecker, slightly smaller than a Northern Flicker.

    Relative Sizebetween robin and crowbetween robin and crow
    Measurements
    • Both Sexes
      • Length: 11.0 in (28 cm)
      • Weight: 3.3-4.5 oz (92-129 g)
      • Wingspan: 19.7-20.5 in (50-52 cm)

Regional Differences

Of the four Gilded Flicker subspecies, only mearnsi reaches the United States, where it is resident from central Arizona to southeastern California and south into Mexico. It is more lightly barred than other subspecies. Two subspecies (chrysoides and brunnescens) are found only in Mexico’s Baja California peninsula, while tenebrosus is found only in northwestern Mexico.

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