Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted subspecies)
Kingdom: Animalia; Phylum: Chordata; Class: Aves; Order: Piciformes; Family: Picidae; Genus: Colaptes; Species: Colaptes auratus
Family: Picidae (Woodpeckers)
- Shape
- Highly asymmetrical vane characteristic of a flight feather; the leading edge (outer vane) is significantly narrower than the trailing edge (inner vane). It features a rounded tip and a tapered base.
- Size
- Approximately 4 to 5 inches (10-13 cm) in length. This is consistent with the primary flight feathers of a medium-sized woodpecker.
- Rarity
- Common; one of the most widespread and frequently encountered woodpeckers in North America.
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Description
This feather belongs to a large, grayish-brown woodpecker known for its unique ground-feeding habits. The Northern Flicker has a barred back, a black crescent on the chest, and a white rump patch visible in flight. The 'Yellow-shafted' variety is named for the brilliant golden-yellow under the wings and tail.
Colour & Pattern
Distinctive bold horizontal barring of dark chocolate brown and pale tan/cream on the vanes. Most diagnostic is the bright, vibrant yellow-orange color of the central rachis (shaft) and the underside coloration, identifying it as the 'Yellow-shafted' eastern form.
Barb Structure
Tightly interlocked pennaceous barbs throughout most of the vane for flight aerodynamics, with a small plumulaceous (downy) section at the very base of the calamus for insulation.
Texture & Surface
Relatively stiff and smooth to the touch. The dorsal surface has a matte to semi-glossy finish, while the ventral surface shows a brighter sheen of yellow pigment.
Key Features
Bright yellow-orange rachis (shaft) combined with bold brown-and-tan barring; asymmetrical flight feather shape.
Habitat
Open woodlands, forest edges, yards, parks, and agricultural lands. Unique among woodpeckers, they are frequently seen foraging on the ground for ants.
Geographic Range
Common across North America; the 'Yellow-shafted' form is found primarily in the East and North, from the Atlantic coast to the Rocky Mountains and north into Alaska.
Ecological Role
Primary cavity nester; they create holes in trees that are later used by many other species (secondary cavity nesters) like bluebirds and small owls. They also control insect populations, specifically ants.
Similar Species
Red-shafted Flicker (distinguished by a red rachis); Hairy Woodpecker or Downy Woodpecker (lack the yellow rachis and have different barring patterns).
Interesting Facts
Northern Flickers are one of the few North American woodpeckers that are strongly migratory. They also have a specialized long, barbed tongue that can extend 2 inches past their bill to lap up ants.
Condition Notes
Good to Excellent; the barbs are mostly intact with minimal fraying at the tip, suggesting it was recently molted or lost.