Yellow-shafted Flicker
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Piciformes, Family: Picidae, Genus: Colaptes, Species: Colaptes auratus · Picidae (Woodpeckers) · Flight feather (Remiges), most likely a primary feather from the mid-wing sequence.
Species
Colaptes auratus (Confidence: 100%)
Feather Type
Flight feather (Remiges), most likely a primary feather from the mid-wing sequence.
Family
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
Shape
Distinctly asymmetrical vane with a broad trailing edge and narrow leading edge. The tip is slightly pointed to rounded, characteristic of most woodpecker primaries.
Size
Approximately 5 to 6 inches (12-15 cm) in length. This is consistent with the primary flight feathers of a medium-sized woodpecker.
Rarity
Common; one of the most widespread and frequently seen woodpeckers in North America.
Color & Pattern
Striking golden-yellow rachis (shaft) and underside of the barbs. The upper surface of the vane is a deep brownish-black or charcoal, while the underside exhibits a brilliant, luminous yellow saturation.
Barb Structure
Densely packed and pennaceous (stiff and interlocked) for efficient flight. The lower portion near the calamus shows some plumulaceous (downy) barbs for insulation.
Texture & Surface
The surface is smooth and glossy. The rachis feels exceptionally smooth and firm, while the vane is stiff and aerodynamic to withstand the forces of flight.
Description
This feather belongs to the Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted form). The bird is a large, brown-toned woodpecker with black spotting on its belly, a black crescent on its chest, and a red patch on the nape of the neck. Unlike most woodpeckers, it is frequently seen on the ground. In flight, the brilliant yellow under the wings and tail is a diagnostic field mark.
Key Features
High-contrast golden-yellow shaft (rachis) combined with a dark brownish-black vane and vivid yellow under-wash.
Habitat
Open woodlands, forest edges, yards, parks, and agricultural fields. They are frequently found on the ground in grassy areas foraging for ants.
Geographic Range
Common across the eastern and northern United States and Canada. During winter, northern populations migrate to the southern reaches of the range.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. There is some noticeable separation (zipping) of the barbs on the trailing edge and significant fraying at the tip, suggesting this feather was naturally molted after considerable use.
Interesting Facts
The yellow color is derived from carotenoid pigments in the bird's diet. In areas where the Yellow-shafted and Red-shafted (Western) varieties meet, they hybridize, often resulting in feathers with salmon or orange-colored shafts.
Ecological Role
Primary cavity nester; they excavate holes in dead trees that are used by many other bird and mammal species. They are significant consumers of ants and wood-boring larvae.
Similar Species
Red-shafted Flicker (distinguished by red/orange shafts) and various large hawks (which lack the bright yellow shaft pigmentation).