Yellow-shafted Northern Flicker
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Piciformes, Family: Picidae, Genus: Colaptes, Species: C. auratus · Picidae (Woodpeckers) · Tail feather (Rectrix), likely from the outer or central position
Species
Colaptes auratus
Feather Type
Tail feather (Rectrix), likely from the outer or central position
Family
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
Shape
Highly pointed (mucronate) and stiffened tip; broad vane that tapers to a sharp, reinforced point designed for propping the bird against tree trunks.
Size
Estimated 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm) in length; consistent with adult rectrices which typically measure between 11-15 cm.
Rarity
Common; one of the most widespread and frequently encountered woodpeckers in North America.
Color & Pattern
Brilliant golden-yellow on the basal two-thirds of the vane and throughout the rachis, transitioning to a solid brownish-black or dark charcoal terminal band at the tip.
Barb Structure
Tightly interlocked pennaceous barbs on the upper three-quarters for aerodynamic and structural integrity; slightly more plumulaceous near the base (calamus).
Texture & Surface
Stiff and rigid texture; the surface is smooth and slightly glossy, especially along the yellow rachis. The leading edge is firm and designed for high stress.
Description
A medium-sized woodpecker with a brownish barred back, black crescent on the chest, and spotted belly. This feather represents the 'Yellow-shafted' eastern form, characterized by the bright yellow undersides of wings and tail that flash brilliantly during their undulating flight.
Key Features
Vivid yellow rachis (shaft), bright yellow basal vane color, and a sharp, stiffened black tip.
Habitat
Open woodlands, forest edges, yards, parks, and agricultural lands. Unlike many woodpeckers, they are frequently seen foraging on the ground for ants.
Geographic Range
Eastern and Northern North America (Eastern US, Canada, Alaska), merging with the Red-shafted variety in the Great Plains.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good; shows some wear (fraying) at the very tip and some separation of the barbs along the edges, likely due to use as a climbing prop or environmental exposure after molting.
Interesting Facts
Unlike most woodpeckers, Northern Flickers prefer to eat ants and beetles from the ground. They have a long, barbed tongue that can extend 2 inches past their beak to reach into insect galleries.
Ecological Role
Primary cavity nester; they create holes in dead trees that are later used by dozens of other species like bluebirds, owls, and squirrels. They act as natural pest controllers for ant populations.
Similar Species
Red-shafted Northern Flicker (vane and shaft are salmon-red rather than yellow). Yellow-bellied Sapsucker feathers lack the reinforced, pointed tail structure and the specific color blocking seen here.