Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)

This is a distinctive tail feather from the Northern Flicker, a large, unique woodpecker known for its tan face, black 'necklace,' and spotted belly. Unlike other woodpeckers, it is frequently seen on the ground eating ants. During flight, the bright yellow underwings and tail flashes are highly visible markers.

Striking bright yellow rachis (shaft). The distal half features a bold, dark brownish-black terminal patch with two distinct yellowish-buff oval spots on the outer web. The base transitions to a translucent yellow-buff.

Pennaceous and tightly interlocked along the distal portion for aerodynamic stability, becoming plumulaceous (fluffy) near the base (calamus). Stiff barbs specialized for vertical propping.

Smooth and waxy on the dorsal surface with a glossy finish on the yellow shaft. The vane is stiff and resilient, designed to withstand the stress of supporting the bird's weight.

Vibrant yellow rachis, stiffened pointed tip for propping, and the bold dark terminal band with light oval spots on the outer vane.

Open woodlands, forest edges, yards, parks, and agricultural lands with scattered trees. Unlike most woodpeckers, they frequently forage on the ground.

Widespread across North America. The 'Yellow-shafted' form is predominantly found in the East and North, from the Atlantic coast to the Rocky Mountains and north into Alaska and Canada.

Primary cavity nesters that provide essential nesting sites for other 'secondary' cavity nesters like bluebirds and small owls. They serve as a major predator of ground-dwelling ants.

The 'Red-shafted' Northern Flicker has a salmon-red rachis. The Gilded Flicker is similar but restricted to the desert Southwest and has different wing/tail signatures.

Northern Flickers are one of the few North American woodpeckers that are strongly migratory. They also have an incredibly long, barbed tongue that can extend 2 inches past their beak to extract ants from tunnels.

Excellent to Good. The feather appears freshly molted with minimal wear at the tip. No visible fault bars or parasite damage.