Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)

The Northern Flicker is a large, distinctive woodpecker with brownish plumage barred with black and a white rump patch that is conspicuous in flight. Unlike most woodpeckers, they frequently feed on the ground primarily on ants and beetles, using their slightly curved bill to probe the soil.

Tan to brownish-gray background with distinctive round black spots (polka dots) near the rounded tip and a pale grayish-white fluffy base.

Pennaceous upper vane transitioning into a distinctly plumulaceous (fluffy/downy) base with well-developed barbules; intact and clean condition.

Smooth and firm pennaceous tip with a soft, downy base; matte finish with no iridescence.

Tan-brown background color featuring bold, circular black spots near the rounded tip, combined with a fluffy white base.

Open woodlands, forest edges, clearings, suburban parks, and yards with dead trees for nesting.

Widespread across North America, ranging from Alaska and Canada down through the United States and into parts of Central America.

Acting as a primary cavity excavator, the Northern Flicker creates nesting holes used by dozens of other secondary cavity-nesting birds and mammals.

Red-shafted Flicker, though hybrid zones exist where plumages overlap; other woodpecker species typically feature barred rather than distinctly spotted breast feathers.

Northern Flickers are one of the few North American woodpecker species that are strongly migratory. They have barbs on their tongues that help them lap up thousands of ants in a single meal.

Excellent condition with intact barbs, clean surfaces, and no visible wear, fading, or parasitic damage.