Yellow-shafted Northern Flicker

Distinctive large woodpecker with a brown-barred back and a black bib; this feather showcases the iconic yellow under-wing color

Brilliant bright yellow rachis and basal vane; fading into a dark brownish-black or charcoal tip

Tightly interlocked pennaceous barbs near the tip for aerodynamics; plumulaceous (fluffy) barbs at the base for insulation

Glossy and smooth on the upper surface; the yellow sections have a waxy, saturated appearance

Bold yellow rachis (shaft) and the combination of yellow and dark charcoal pigments

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

Common across much of North America, from the tree line in Canada and Alaska through the eastern and central United States

Primary cavity nester and specialized ant-eater; helps control insect populations and provides homes for other species

Red-shafted Flicker (identical shape but salmon-red color); other woodpeckers lack the vibrant yellow shaft

The yellow color comes from dietary carotenoids; the 'Red-shafted' western subspecies replaces this yellow with red

Fair to Good; shows some separation of the barbs (venting) and slight wear at the tip, likely a naturally molted specimen