Northern Flicker (Red-shafted), Common Flicker
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Piciformes, Family: Picidae, Genus: Colaptes, Species: Colaptes auratus · Picidae (Woodpeckers) · Tail feather (Rectrix); likely from the R1 to R3 position
Species
Colaptes auratus (cafer group); Confidence: 98%
Feather Type
Tail feather (Rectrix); likely from the R1 to R3 position
Family
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
Shape
Highly specialized; stiff and tapered with a sharply pointed, reinforced tip (mucronate) designed for bracing against tree trunks. Symmetrical to slightly asymmetrical.
Size
Estimated 4.5 to 5.5 inches (11-14 cm) in length. This is consistent with the standard tail feather range for an adult Northern Flicker.
Rarity
Common; one of the most widespread and frequently encountered woodpeckers in North America.
Color & Pattern
Deep salmon-red to orange-burnt sienna rachis and basal vanes, transitioning abruptly to a solid jet-black terminal band at the distal third. No barring is present on this specific feather, typical of central rectrices.
Barb Structure
Densely packed and tightly interlocked (pennaceous) throughout the mid and upper section to provide structural support; transitions to a short plumulaceous (fluffy) base.
Texture & Surface
The surface is glossy and smooth. The quill (calamus) and rachis feel like hard plastic or bone, reflecting its evolution as a weight-bearing tool.
Description
A medium-sized woodpecker with a brown-barred back and a black crescent on the breast. This feather showcases the vivid salmon-red tones that flash brilliantly during flight. Flickers are unique among woodpeckers for their terrestrial habits.
Key Features
Vibrant salmon-red rachis (shaft), solid black tip, and a stiff, pointed apex designed for tree-climbing support.
Habitat
Open woodlands, forest edges, suburban parks, and backyards. Unlike most woodpeckers, they are frequently seen on the ground foraging for ants.
Geographic Range
The 'Red-shafted' subspecies group is found predominantly in Western North America, from Alaska through Central America, interbreeding with 'Yellow-shafted' forms in the Great Plains.
Condition Notes
Excellent condition. The tip shows minimal wear, suggesting it may have been freshly molted or from a younger bird. No visible fault bars or parasite damage.
Interesting Facts
The Northern Flicker is one of the few North American woodpeckers that is strongly migratory. They have specialized tongues that can wrap around their skulls and extend far past their beaks to reach ants.
Ecological Role
Primary cavity nester; they excavate holes that are later used by dozens of other species (secondary cavity nesters) like bluebirds and kestrels. Major predator of ants.
Similar Species
Yellow-shafted Flicker (identified by yellow rachis), Gilded Flicker (found in saguaro deserts, paler), and Red-naped Sapsucker (smaller, different pattern).