Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted or Red-shafted)
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Piciformes, Family: Picidae, Genus: Colaptes, Species: C. auratus
Family: Picidae (Woodpeckers and allies)
- Shape
- Symmetrical vane, rounded tip, overall oval-tapered outline with characteristic crescent spot
- Size
- Approximately 2 to 3 inches long, typical of a medium-sized woodpecker contour feather
- Rarity
- Very Common
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Description
The Northern Flicker is a large, distinctive woodpecker known for its brownish body barred with black and a prominent black crescent on the chest. Unlike most woodpeckers, they frequently forage on the ground for ants.
Colour & Pattern
Warm brown/tan background with a distinct, bold black circular-to-oval spot near the rounded tip, and subtle barring near the edge
Barb Structure
Pennaceous at the upper exposed tip and margins, grading into plumulaceous (fluffy) downy barbs at the base
Texture & Surface
Smooth and firm at the patterned tip, becoming soft and fluffy near the base
Key Features
Tan-brown coloration with a prominent, isolated round black spot near the tip, characteristic of woodpecker underparts
Habitat
Open woodlands, forest edges, parklands, yards, and semi-open country with scattered trees and snags
Geographic Range
Widespread across North America, extending into parts of Central America and the Caribbean
Ecological Role
Primary cavity nscesters that create homes for many secondary cavity-using birds and mammals, and major controllers of ant populations
Similar Species
Other woodpecker species or meadowlarks, though the distinct round black breast spot is highly diagnostic of the flicker
Interesting Facts
Northern Flickers have specialized barbed tongues that can extend up to two inches beyond their bill to lap up ants and beetles.
Condition Notes
Good condition, clean with intact barbs and a well-defined spot marking