Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted or Red-shafted subspecies), specifically Red-shafted variant

A magnificent large woodpecker with a brown-barred back and a black crescent on the chest. This feather represents the stunning flash of color seen when the bird flies

Salmon-orange to reddish-pink rachis and quill; the vane is dark chocolate brown to blackish-brown on the leading edge and tip, with pale undersides on the base of the inner vane

Densely interlocked pennaceous barbs for aerodynamic efficiency, with very few plumulaceous (downy) barbs at the base

Smooth, stiff, and somewhat glossy on the dorsal side; the vane is firm and holds its shape well, designed for rhythmic wingbeats

The distinctive salmon-orange/red central shaft (rachis) combined with the dark primary vane is diagnostic for the Red-shafted Northern Flicker

Open woodlands, forest edges, suburban yards, and parks; unlike most woodpeckers, they frequently forage on the ground

Widespread across North America; the 'Red-shafted' form is found primarily in western North America from Alaska down through Central America

Primary cavity nester and insectivore; they help control ant populations and create nesting holes for many other 'secondary' cavity-nesting species

Yellow-shafted Northern Flicker (has yellow rachis), Gilded Flicker (found in deserts, has yellow-gold rachis and different barring patterns)

The color in the shaft comes from carotenoid pigments obtained through their diet, primarily ants, which make up about 45% of their food intake

Excellent condition; the barbs are fully intact and the rachis shows no signs of breakage or significant sun bleaching, suggesting a recent molt