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A pair of Northern (Red Shafted) Flickers (Colaptes auratus) "dance" with each other in a dead hackberry tree between Tavasci Marsh [Arizona] and Peck's Lake [Arizona]. They were joined by an adolescent later. The male Flicker gives us the loud call, and his wife purrs and coos between calls.
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This Flicker was being chased by a male Merlin which was visiting our area on October 11th, 1997. The Merlin was just inches behind the twisting and turning Flicker, but the Flicker prevailed. The Merlin tried a few more times over a 15 minute period to get a Flicker, but never succeeded. Recorded at Tavasci Marsh [Arizona] 10/10/97.
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In the Spring, the male Flickers are heard calling these long, drawn-out "whinnies" from the tops of trees. This was recorded 4/16/98 at Tavasci Marsh [Arizona]. 03
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Here's an example of the male's drumming and whinny - this one in Oak Creek Canyon, Arizona 4/10/99.