The Andean flicker is unusual among woodpeckers in that it is found in open country, largely devoid of trees, and forages on the ground, the Latin adjective rupicolus signifying "inhabiting among rocks".
It often feeds in family groups, keeping in touch with other birds by constant chatter and uttering a number of different vocalisations, including a scolding alarm call given in flight.
It seldom, if ever, drums.
The diet is mainly insects, which it finds by sweeping away debris on bare ground with its beak and probing into the soil and grass clumps.
Nests occupy holes that it digs in soft soil in cliffs or on banks.
Another unusual feature is that it often nests colonially rather than alone, as do most woodpeckers.
The Andean flicker is unusual among woodpeckers in that it is found in open country, largely devoid of trees, and forages on the ground, the Latin adjective rupicolus signifying "inhabiting among rocks". It often feeds in family groups, keeping in touch with other birds by constant chatter and uttering a number of different vocalisations, including a scolding alarm call given in flight. It seldom, if ever, drums. The diet is mainly insects, which it finds by sweeping away debris on bare ground with its beak and probing into the soil and grass clumps. Nests occupy holes that it digs in soft soil in cliffs or on banks. Another unusual feature is that it often nests colonially rather than alone, as do most woodpeckers.
Andean flicker