My Friend, Flicker (Golden Flicker, That Is!)

Golden flicker drinking at the hummingbird saloon

We have a hummingbird feeder that attracts many hummingbirds but the most amazing thing is that it also attracts golden flickers. I had never seen a golden flicker until moving to Arizona. They have lovely striped and speckled markings with a dark brown (or is it black?) breast-plate that looks like a D rotated 90 degrees (with the rounded part at the bottom). There is a red band or spot on the males (the females do not have this). You cannot really see much gold on the golden flicker until you see them in flight. There is only the slightest hint of gold seen as a single line on the wing’s edge. In flight, however, the gold will blind you–it is truly a breathtaking sight.

I have been trying to capture them in flight and have only managed to get an out-of-focus wing or blur of gold. I will keep at it. They constantly show up on our patio to feed at the hummingbird feeder. One of these days, I will get off that perfect shot. I just might need to get a better lens. A telephoto lens with good light gathering capabilities.

Until then, these shots will have to do.

A flicker having an identity crisis...note the golden color on the bottom of the wing.

Two flickers--one in flight; one watching/waiting for a turn at the feeder

The best photo I have managed to get (so far) of those golden wings.

I found a tiny feather on the patio near the feeder. I think it is from the lower-body area (perhaps by the legs?) of the flicker. It has a stripe pattern in black and white with softest gray down or fuzz at the base. I am guessing it is a flicker feather, but if you think it belongs to another bird, please let me know.

The golden flicker is also known as a “gilded flicker”. It is from the woodpecker family. For more information about golden flickers (or gilded flickers) check out this site and/or this one.

All content and photographs copyright 2008 by Janet Towbin