Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted or Red-shafted)

The Northern Flicker is a large, distinctive woodpecker with brownish plumage barred with black, a white rump visible in flight, and a prominent black crescent on the chest. Unlike most woodpeckers, they spend a lot of time on the ground foraging for ants.

Dark brownish-gray background heavily barred with distinct white or pale buff spots and transverse bars across the vanes. The shaft shows a pale whitish or yellowish tone.

Tightly interlocked pennaceous vane along the upper portion, transitioning to a plumulaceous (fluffy) base with well-developed barbs and a small or absent afterfeather. Intact and healthy condition.

Smooth, firm, and stiff along the pennaceous web with a slight glossy sheen, transitioning to soft and downy at the proximal base.

Bold black-and-white or brown-and-white barring, stout pale rachis, rounded tip, and medium size characteristic of North American woodpeckers.

Open woodlands, forest edges, clearings, brushy areas, suburban parks, and lawns with scattered large trees for nesting and foraging.

Widespread across North America, extending into parts of Central America and the Caribbean. Northern populations are migratory, while southern birds are permanent residents.

Primary cavity nesters that create holes used by dozens of secondary cavity-nesting species like bluebirds, swallows, and small owls. They also help control ant and insect populations.

Other woodpecker species such as the Red-bellied Woodpecker or Downy Woodpecker, though their feather patterns and sizes differ significantly.

Northern Flickers are one of the few woodpecker species that are strongly migratory. They have an exceptionally long, barbed tongue that can extend nearly two inches beyond the tip of their bill to lap up ants and beetles.

Excellent condition with intact barbs, no visible fraying, sun bleaching, or parasite damage.