Colaptes rupicola
The Andean Flicker, *Colaptes rupicola*, is a striking member of the woodpecker family, uniquely adapted to the high-altitude landscapes of the Andes. Measuring approximately 32 cm (12.6 inches) in length, it boasts a distinctive appearance: a grayish-brown head, a barred brown back, and a conspicuous white rump visible in flight. Its underparts are white to pale buff with heavy black barring or spotting, and males are distinguished by a black malar stripe, which is absent in females. This sp...
Primarily inhabits high-altitude grasslands, puna, and semi-arid montane scrubland, often near rocky slopes or ravines, at elevations typically ranging from 2,000 to over 5,000 meters.
Feeds predominantly on ants and their larvae, extracted from the ground, supplemented with other ground-dwelling insects and occasional berries or seeds.
Andean Flickers are diurnal birds, spending much of their day actively foraging on the ground, often in open areas or near human settlements. Their foraging strategy involves walking or hopping across the terrain, probing into the soil, flicking away debris, and sometimes even digging small holes...
The Andean Flicker has an extensive, linear distribution along the South American Andes, stretching from central Peru south through Bolivia, northern Chile, and northwestern Argentina. Its breeding range encompasses high-altitude puna and altiplano regions, typically above 2,000 meters, but frequ...
Least Concern
- The Andean Flicker is one of the few woodpecker species that spends a significant portion of its life foraging on the ground, often in treeless environments. - Unlike most woodpeckers that nest in trees, this species commonly excavates its nesting cavities into earthen banks or soft rock cliffs...