Yellow-shafted Flicker (subspecies of Northern Flicker)

This feather is from a Northern Flicker, a unique large woodpecker that frequently feeds on the ground for ants. The 'Yellow-shafted' form is easily identified by the brilliant golden-yellow color on the shafts and undersides of the wing and tail feathers.

Striking bright yellow rachis (shaft). The vane is dark brown-black with large, cream-to-whitish oval spots or 'windows' along the inner web.

Tightly interlocked pennaceous barbs on the majority of the vane, transitioning to a small plumulaceous section near the calamus base.

Smooth and relatively stiff for flight power. The surface has a slight waxy gloss on the dorsal side.

Vivid yellow rachis (shaft) and distinct pale oval spotting on a dark brownish-black vane background.

Open woodlands, forest edges, yards, parks, and agricultural lands with scattered trees.

Resident or migratory throughout eastern and central North America, from the treeline in Alaska/Canada down to the Gulf Coast.

Primary cavity nester (creates homes for other species) and insectivore, specifically a major predator of ants and beetles.

Red-shafted Flicker has a salmon-red rachis. Other woodpeckers like the Hairy or Downy Woodpecker lack the yellow-colored shaft.

Northern Flickers have a long, barbed tongue that can extend 2 inches past their bill to lap up ants. Unlike most woodpeckers, they spend significantly more time on the ground.

Good to Fair; some separation of the barbs (split vane) is visible near the tip and mid-section, possibly from natural wear or handling.