Northern Flicker (Red-shafted subspecies)

A distinctive woodpecker that often feeds on the ground for ants. The feather displays the signature 'red-shafted' coloration found in western populations, contrasting with the 'yellow-shafted' eastern form.

Striking salmon-pink or reddish-orange rachis and base of the barbs; the vane transitions to a rich brownish-black or charcoal color towards the tip and edges.

Tightly interlocked pennaceous barbs on the distal portion for aerodynamic flight; some plumulaceous (downy) barbs visible near the base of the calamus.

Smooth and glossy on the dorsal surface with a satin sheen; the vane is stiff and resilient to handle air pressure during flight.

Vibrant salmon-red rachis (shaft) and brownish-black vane pigmentation; flight-optimized asymmetry.

Open woodlands, edges of forests, suburban parks, and backyards with sufficient mature trees for nesting and foraging.

Common across western North America, from Alaska through the Rocky Mountains to Mexico; migrates from northernmost reaches during winter.

Primary cavity nester; their abandoned holes provide essential nesting sites for many other species (secondary cavity nesters) like bluebirds and owls.

Yellow-shafted Northern Flicker (identical shape but yellow rachis); Red-naped Sapsucker (smaller, different primary pattern).

Northern Flickers are one of the few woodpecker species that are primarily ground-foragers, using their long, barbed tongues to extract ants from the earth.

Excellent condition; the barbs are well-aligned, the tip shows minimal wear, and the color is vibrant with no visible fault bars or parasite damage.