field flicker

bird

Also known as: Colaptes campestroides

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The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

June 26, 2026

Quick Summary

The term "field flicker" refers to a type of woodpecker belonging to the genus Colaptes within the family Picidae. These birds are distinctive for spending a significant amount of time foraging on the ground for ants.1

Key characteristics include:
* A slender, slightly down-curved bill, differing from most woodpeckers.1
* A sticky, alkaline saliva that may help neutralize the formic acid secreted by ants.1
* Species often exhibit a white rump, a black breastband, and varied head markings.1

The field flicker (Colaptes campestroides) is found in east-central South America and is sometimes considered the same species as the campos flicker (C. campestris). These are darker birds with yellow faces and breasts. The term "flicker" itself is also used for the yellow-shafted flicker (C. auratus), a North American woodpecker known for foraging on the ground.12

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

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flicker
campestris) and the field flicker (C. campestroides)—sometimes considered to be a single species—are common in east-central South America; they are darker birds with yellow faces and breasts.
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campestris) and the field flicker (C. campestroides)—sometimes considered to be a single species—are common in east-central South America; they are darker birds with yellow faces and breasts.
Read More