In English, clape refers to a bird known as the northern flicker. It is a common North American woodpecker species.
Understanding the Term "Clape"
While "clape" is not a widely used term in modern English, particularly outside of specific regional or historical contexts, it is a noun that specifically identifies Colaptes auratus, more commonly known as the northern flicker. The plural form of clape is clapes.
The Northern Flicker: A Detailed Look
The northern flicker is a fascinating and distinctive bird that stands out among woodpeckers due to several unique characteristics.
Key Characteristics
Northern flickers are medium-sized woodpeckers identifiable by:
- Plumage: Brownish plumage with black barring on the back and a prominent black crescent on the chest. Their underparts are typically white with black spots.
- Flight Feathers: A striking flash of color is visible under their wings and tail during flight. This color varies by subspecies:
- Yellow-shafted flickers (eastern North America) have bright yellow underwings and tail feathers.
- Red-shafted flickers (western North America) display salmon-red underwings and tail feathers.
- Head Markings: Males of both types have a "mustache" stripe (malar stripe), which is black in yellow-shafted flickers and red in red-shafted flickers. Both sexes have a red patch on the nape of the neck, though it's often more prominent in yellow-shafted flickers.
- Rump Patch: A conspicuous white patch on their rump is visible when they fly, making them easy to identify.
Habitat and Behavior
Unlike many woodpecker species that primarily forage on tree trunks, northern flickers spend a significant portion of their time on the ground.
- Foraging: They are particularly fond of ants and beetles, often using their long, barbed tongues to extract insects from the ground. They will also consume berries and seeds, especially during winter.
- Nesting: Like other woodpeckers, they excavate nest cavities in dead trees, utility poles, or sometimes even old buildings.
- Vocalization: They are known for their loud, distinct calls, including a strong, ringing "wick-wick-wick" and a sustained "flick-a flick-a flick-a" sound, which likely contributes to their common name.
Other Common Names
Due to their widespread distribution and distinctive features, northern flickers are known by many other common names, which can vary by region. These include:
- Yellowhammer
- Common Flicker
- Golden-winged Woodpecker
- Ant Woodpecker
- High-hole
Summary Table: Clape / Northern Flicker
| Term | Definition | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Clape | An alternative name for the Northern Flicker | Brown plumage with black barring, black chest crescent, white spotted belly, colored underwings/tail (yellow or red), white rump. |
For more comprehensive information on the northern flicker, including their range, conservation status, and sounds, you can explore resources like the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
