Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)

The Northern Flicker is a large, distinctive woodpecker with brownish plumage barred with black and a white rump patch that is conspicuous in flight. Unlike most woodpeckers, they frequently spend time on the ground foraging for ants and beetles.

Striking pattern with a solid white tip, followed by a broad black subterminal band, and fine black-and-white barring on a greyish background proximally. The central shaft (rachis) is notably dark or black near the tip.

Pennaceous vane with tightly interlocked barbs and barbules, providing structural rigidity for support and steering during flight and climbing.

Stiff, smooth, and matte texture designed for durability against rough tree bark.

Distinctive white feather tip followed by a bold black band and fine grey-and-black barring, coupled with the stiff, pointed shaft characteristic of woodpecker tail feathers.

Open woodlands, forest edges, woodlots, suburban areas, and parks with scattered trees and snags for nesting.

Widespread across North America, ranging from Alaska and Canada down through the United States and into parts of Central America.

Flickers are a keystone species; their excavated nesting cavities provide vital homes for many secondary cavity nesters such as bluebirds, swallows, and small owls.

Other woodpecker species such as the Red-bellied Woodpecker or Downy Woodpecker, though their tail feather patterns differ significantly in barring and tip coloration.

Northern Flickers are one of the few woodpecker species that are strongly migratory in the northern parts of their range. They have barbed tongues that can extend nearly 2 inches beyond the bill to lap up ants.

Good condition with minor wear at the base, clean vanes, and intact barbs.