Northern Flicker (Red-shafted subspecies)

These are the striking wing feathers of the Northern Flicker. This medium-sized woodpecker is unique for feeding primarily on the ground for ants. Unlike most woodpeckers, it is brownish overall with a black bib. In flight, the 'Red-shafted' western variety flashes brilliant salmon-red under the wings and tail.

Salmon-pink to reddish-orange rachis and shafts; dark brownish-black dorsal surface with bold, pale buff-white horizontal barring or spotting on the inner vanes

Pennaceous and tightly interlocked for flight efficiency; the base of the feathers shows short plumulaceous (downy) barbs for insulation

Smooth, glossy, and very stiff; the surface has a slight waxy sheen typical of woodpeckers that spend time on tree trunks

The brilliant salmon-red/orange rachis (shaft) combined with dark brown feathers and distinct buff-colored spotting/barring on the inner vane is diagnostic.

Open woodlands, forest edges, savannas, orchards, and suburban parks or yards with mature trees

Western North America from Alaska down through Central America; the 'Red-shafted' form is found primarily west of the Great Plains

Primary cavity nester; creates holes that many other species (bluebirds, owls, nuthatches) rely on for nesting and roosting

Yellow-shafted Northern Flicker (has yellow shafts), Gilded Flicker (occurs in desert southwest, has yellow-orange shafts and different barring intensity)

The 'Red-shafted' and 'Yellow-shafted' flickers were once considered separate species but now are known to interbreed extensively across a broad hybrid zone in the Great Plains.

Excellent to Good; feathers appear clean with minimal wear, suggesting they were recently molted or lost to a predator/collision