Yellow-shafted Northern Flicker

This feather belongs to the Northern Flicker, a large, brownish woodpecker with a black breast bib and spotted belly. Unlike most woodpeckers, they are often seen on the ground. When they fly, they reveal a flash of brilliant yellow under the wings and a conspicuous white rump patch.

Vibrant golden-yellow coloration throughout the vane, which is characteristic of the eastern 'Yellow-shafted' form. The underside exhibits a more intense yellow saturation while the upper side has a slightly darker, olive-yellow tone.

Densely interlocked pennaceous barbs on the distal two-thirds of the feather for aerodynamic integrity, transitioning to soft, plumulaceous barbs at the base.

The surface is smooth and somewhat stiff to the touch to withstand the pressures of flight. It has a slight natural gloss from preen oils.

Distinctive yellow rachis (shaft) and vibrant golden-yellow vanes. Most other similar-sized birds would have dark or white shafts.

Open woodlands, forest edges, yards, and parks. They are unique among woodpeckers for frequently foraging on the ground for ants.

Common across the eastern and northern regions of North America, from the Atlantic coast to the Rocky Mountains, and north into Alaska.

Primary cavity nester; they create holes in dead trees that are later used by dozens of other species (secondary cavity nesters) such as bluebirds and owls.

Red-shafted Northern Flicker (has orange-red shafts), Cedar Waxwing (yellow on tail tips only), and various Orioles (different feather shape and orange hue).

The 'Yellow-shafted' Northern Flicker in the East and 'Red-shafted' in the West were once considered separate species, but they interbreed extensively where their ranges overlap in the Great Plains.

Good condition; the barbs are largely intact, though there is slight separation near the tip suggesting natural wear or impact during the molt process.