Northern Flicker (Red-shafted subspecies)

The Northern Flicker is a large, unique woodpecker that spends much of its time on the ground. It features a barred brown back, a black crescent on the chest, and a spotted belly. Western 'Red-shafted' birds show salmon-red underwings/undertail and males have a red malar stripe.

Base color is a warm, buffy-gray to tan. The tip features a bold, subterminal black crescent-shaped band. A thin white fringe is visible at the very apex. The rachis is white to light cream.

The distal portion is pennaceous (flat and interlocking) with a distinct terminal band; the proximal two-thirds is highly plumulaceous (fluffy/downy) for insulation.

Extremely soft and silky at the base; the black tip is firmer and slightly matte. Overall very lightweight and designed for thermal regulation.

Distinguished from other feathers by the combination of a long downy base and a perfectly round, bold black 'polka dot' or crescent at the tip against a tan background.

Open woodlands, forest edges, suburban parks, and backyards. Frequently seen on the ground foraging for ants.

Common throughout North America. The 'Red-shafted' variant is specifically the resident and migratory form found in the Western United States, including Bend, Oregon.

Primary cavity nester; their abandoned holes provide essential nesting sites for secondary cavity nesters like bluebirds and small owls. They also control insect populations.

Downward breast feathers of American Kestrels (smaller, more spotted) or other woodpecker species, but the specific crescent shape and tan wash is diagnostic for Flickers.

Unlike most woodpeckers that hammer wood for larvae, Northern Flickers use their long, sticky tongues to lap up ants from the ground. They are one of the few North American woodpeckers that are strongly migratory.

Good condition. The barbs are slightly separated (aesthetically 'fluffed'), likely due to wind or being handled, but it appears to be a naturally molted feather with no visible parasites.

Bend OR in the grass near a bird feeder that contains nuts and berries