Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted form)

This feather is a classic example of the structural and aesthetic beauty of the Northern Flicker. The bird itself is a large, brownish woodpecker with a black bib and spotted underparts. In flight, the flash of yellow under the wings and tail is unmistakable. Unlike many other woodpeckers, flickers are often seen on the ground.

Striking bright yellow rachis (shaft) and basal vane color; transitioning to a deep brownish-black or charcoal tip. The yellow is a carotenoid-based pigment characteristic of the eastern 'Yellow-shafted' form.

Tightly interlocked pennaceous barbs on the upper blade, transitioning to soft plumulaceous barbs near the basal calamus.

The surface is smooth and slightly glossy on the pennaceous portion, while the rachis feels stiff and plastic-like to provide support during climbing.

Bright yellow central rachis, black terminal band/tip, and a stiff, pointed shape characteristic of climbing birds.

Open woodlands, forest edges, yards, and parks; often found foraging on the ground for ants unlike most woodpeckers.

The Yellow-shafted form resides in the Eastern and Northern North America, from the Atlantic coast to the Rocky Mountains and north to Alaska.

Primary cavity nesters; they excavate holes that are later used by dozens of other species, making them a keystone species in their ecosystem.

Red-shafted Flicker (distinguished by a red rachis) and the Gilded Flicker (found in the desert Southwest with different markings).

Northern Flickers are the only woodpeckers in North America that frequently feed on the ground. They have a long, barbed tongue that can extend 2 inches past their beak to lap up ants.

Excellent; the barbs are mostly intact with minimal fraying, suggesting a relatively fresh molt or a feather found in a sheltered area.