Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted or Red-shafted)

The Northern Flicker is a medium-sized, distinctive woodpecker known for its undulating flight, loud calls, and ground-foraging habits. Unlike most woodpeckers, they spend significant time on the ground eating ants and beetles. Their plumage is heavily patterned with spots, bars, and chevrons, offering excellent camouflage against tree bark and forest floors.

Pale gray background featuring prominent black chevron markings and fine dark barring across the upper vane

Pennaceous upper portion with tightly interlocked barbs and plumulaceous fluff at the base

Soft yet structurally firm vane, matte finish with slightly downy base

Distinctive black chevron and barring pattern on a pale gray or brownish background with a tapering, pointed tip

Open woodlands, forest edges, yards, parks, and partially cleared areas 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

Pivotal primary cavity nesters; the abandoned tree cavities they excavate provide essential nesting and roosting homes for dozens of secondary cavity-using species including bluebirds, swallows, and small owls

Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, and Red-bellied Woodpecker, though their body feathers generally lack the distinct sharp chevron markings characteristic of the Northern Flicker

Northern Flickers have extraordinarily long, barbed tongues that can extend nearly two inches beyond the tip of their bill to scoop up ants and their larvae from deep underground nests

Good condition, fresh feather with intact barbs and no major visible fraying or sun bleaching