Northern Flicker (Red-shafted), Common Flicker

This is a distinctive primary feather from a Northern Flicker. These birds are large, brown woodpeckers with a black bib and spotted bellies. In flight, the 'Red-shafted' form shows a flash of brilliant salmon-pink or orange-red under the wings and tail, which is clearly seen in the vibrant pigment of this feather's shaft.

Salmon-pink to reddish-orange on the ventral side and along the shaft; the dorsal surface is deep brownish-black or dark gray. This 'Red-shafted' coloration is diagnostic for western populations. No horizontal barring is visible on this particular feather, which is typical for certain primary positions or specific individuals.

Tightly interlocked pennaceous barbs on the distal portion for aerodynamic flight; the proximal base shows some loose, pinkish-orange plumulaceous (downy) barbs near the calamus.

Smooth, stiff, and somewhat glossy on the upper surface. The vane is rigid enough to withstand the stress of flight and the bird’s characteristic undulating flight pattern.

Bright reddish-orange or salmon-colored rachis (shaft) and a deep brown or blackish vane. The color of the shaft is the most iconic diagnostic feature for this species group.

Open woodlands, forest edges, suburban yards, parks, and grasslands with scattered trees. Unlike many woodpeckers, they are frequently seen foraging on the ground.

The 'Red-shafted' variety is found in Western North America, from the Pacific coast to the Great Plains, and from Alaska south to Mexico.

Flickers are primary cavity nesters, but they also serve as 'ecosystem engineers' by creating nesting holes used by secondary cavity nesters like bluebirds and small owls. They also control insect populations.

Yellow-shafted Northern Flicker (has yellow shafts), Gilded Flicker (found in desert southwest, yellow shafts), and various hawks (which lack the bright salmon-colored rachis).

Northern Flickers are one of the few North American woodpeckers that are strongly migratory. They also primarily eat ants and beetles, spending significant time drumming on the ground rather than just trees.

The feather appears to be in relatively good condition, though there is some minor separation of the barbs (zipper-like structure) near the tip. The calamus is intact, suggesting a natural molt.