Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)

The Northern Flicker is a large, distinctive woodpecker with brownish plumage barred with black. Unlike most woodpeckers, they frequently feed on the ground, primarily targeting ants and beetles. They have a graceful, undulating flight pattern and a loud, rolling cackle.

Striking pattern of bold black bars and spots on a white to buff background, with a rich golden-yellow to orange-yellow rachis characteristic of the yellow-shafted form.

Pennaceous vane near the tip transitioning to slightly looser barbs toward the base; strong, interlocking barbicels for durability.

Stiff, durable, and smooth with a semi-glossy finish designed for mechanical support against tree bark.

Bright yellow or golden rachis, bold black barring on a white and brownish-yellow background, and a stiff, pointed tip adapted for propping.

Open woodlands, forest edges, yards, parks, and partially cleared areas with standing dead trees for nesting.

Widespread across North America, breeding from Alaska and Canada down through the United States, wintering in the southern US and Mexico.

Keystone cavity excavator; hundreds of secondary cavity-nesting species rely on abandoned flicker holes for survival.

Red-shafted Flicker, which features salmon-red rachises and underwing linings instead of yellow.

Northern Flickers can eat thousands of ants in a single day using their exceptionally long, barbed sticky tongues, which can extend nearly two inches beyond the tip of the bill.

Good condition with minor wear at the very tip, typical of a naturally molted tail feather.