The Andean Flicker is a medium-sized woodpecker found in the Andes Mountains of South America. It has a brownish-gray body with black bars on its back and wings, and a bright red patch on the nape of its neck. The male has a black mustache stripe and a red mustache patch, while the female has a brown mustache stripe and no mustache patch. They have a distinctive call that sounds like a loud, repeated “klee-yer.” Andean Flickers are often seen foraging on the ground for insects and seeds, and they also nest in burrows in cliffs or trees.
Characteristics and Facts About Andean Flicker
1. Medium-sized bird, measuring around 30-35 cm in length.
2. Has a brownish-gray body with black bars and spots on the back and wings.
3. Has a distinctive red patch on the nape of the neck.
4. Males have a black mustache-like stripe on the face, while females have a brownish-gray face.
5. Has a long, curved bill that is adapted for probing into the ground for insects.
6. Feeds mainly on insects, but also eats fruits and seeds.
7. Found in the Andes mountains of South America, from Venezuela to Argentina.
8. Often seen perched on trees or on the ground, and can be heard making a loud, repetitive call.
9. Forms monogamous pairs during breeding season, and both parents take care of the young.
10. Considered a species of least concern by the IUCN, but habitat loss and degradation are threats to its population.