Andean Flicker
Colaptes rupicola
The Andean Flicker (Colaptes rupicola) is a uncommon woodpecker found in 5 countries, weighing about 174 g. The Andean flicker is a species of bird in subfamily Picinae of the woodpecker family Picidae.
About the Andean Flicker
The Andean flicker is a species of bird in subfamily Picinae of the woodpecker family Picidae. It is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador, and Peru.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The Andean flicker is about 32 cm (13 in) long. Males and females have the same plumage except on their heads. Adult males of the nominate subspecies are dark slate gray from forehead to hindneck; the last occasionally has a hint of red. Their face, chin, and throat are pale buffy white with a thin black malar stripe with red tips on the feathers. Adult females have an all-black malar stripe and never any red on the hindneck. Both sexes' upperparts are barred with brown, light brown, and buffy white; their uppertail coverts are white with narrow dark bars. Voice: The Andean flicker has a large vocal repertoire. Its most common calls are "a loud, piercing kweeir...and a loud tew-tew-tew". Males display with a "kwa-kwa-kwa, wee-a, wee-a or kway-áp call". They also make "single or grouped peek or kek" calls that are thought to be for contact or alarm, and "a clear descending trill, brrrridip" that is thought to be for long-distance communication.
What the Andean Flicker sounds like
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Ecuador.
When to see it
The Andean Flicker can be seen all year round, with peak activity in October. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify an Andean Flicker?
- The Andean flicker is about 32 cm (13 in) long. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is an Andean Flicker?
- The Andean Flicker is a medium sized bird weighing about 174 g.
- Where can you see an Andean Flicker?
- The Andean Flicker occurs in 5 countries, including Peru, Argentina, Bolivia and Chile.
- What does an Andean Flicker sound like?
- You can listen to 3 field recordings of the Andean Flicker on this page, contributed to xeno-canto under open licences.
- What birds look similar to an Andean Flicker?
- The Andean Flicker is most easily confused with the Guatemalan Flicker, the Chilean Flicker and the Crimson-mantled Woodpecker.
Learn the Andean Flicker for real
BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.
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