Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)

The Northern Flicker is a large, distinctive woodpecker with brown barred upperparts and a spotted breast. The yellow-shafted form is instantly recognizable by the bright yellow coloration of the wing and tail shafts, which is vividly displayed in flight.

Dark brown to blackish upper vane with prominent white or buff rounded spots along the edge, featuring a striking, vibrant yellow rachis and proximal shaft

Pennaceous vane structure tightly interlocked, transitioning to a slightly plumulaceous base with a minimal or absent afterfeather

Smooth, glossy, and firm along the pennaceous upper section, becoming softer and more flexible near the base

Bright yellow central shaft (rachis) contrasting sharply against dark brown/black barbs marked with distinct white spots

Open woodlands, forest edges, clearings, suburban parks, and semi-open country with scattered trees

Widespread across North America, extending from Alaska and Canada down through the United States to Central America

Acts as a keystone species by excavating tree cavities used by numerous secondary cavity nesters, while controlling ant populations

Red-shafted Northern Flicker, which features reddish-orange shafts instead of yellow, and other woodpecker species lacking the bright shaft pigmentation

Unlike most woodpeckers that primarily drill into wood for insects, Northern Flickers spend a lot of time on the ground foraging for ants and beetles

Good condition with intact barbs and a clean, unfaded yellow rachis showing minimal wear