Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted or Red-shafted Flicker)

The Northern Flicker is a large, distinctive woodpecker with brownish plumage barred with black, a white rump patch visible in flight, and a colorful underwing lining depending on the subspecies (yellow or red).

Dark brownish-black background with distinctive white to pale buff spots or barred markings along the edges of the vane, and a pale rachis.

Pennaceous vane structure with tightly interlocked barbs and barbicels, providing rigidity for mechanical support.

Stiff, smooth, and matte finish with a rigid vane structure designed to withstand friction against rough tree bark.

Dark brown or blackish feather surface punctuated by bold, rounded white or pale spots along the vane margin, coupled with a stiff, pointed rachis.

Open woodlands, forest edges, suburban yards, parks, and semi-open country with scattered trees.

Widespread across North America, extending south into parts of Central America and the Caribbean. Migratory in northern parts of its range.

Primary cavity excavator that creates nesting holes utilized by numerous secondary cavity-nesters including bluebirds, owls, and small mammals.

Other woodpecker species such as the Red-bellied Woodpecker or Hairy Woodpecker, though their tail feather patterns generally lack the bold, rounded spotting characteristic of flickers.

Unlike most woodpeckers, Northern Flickers spend a great deal of time foraging on the ground primarily eating ants and beetles using a specialized barbed tongue.

Good condition, showing minor normal wear at the tip consistent with use in propping against bark.