Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted or Red-shafted)
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Piciformes, Family: Picidae, Genus: Colaptes, Species: auratus · Picidae (Woodpeckers) · Secondary Flight Feather (Remiges)
Species
Colaptes auratus
Feather Type
Secondary Flight Feather (Remiges)
Family
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
Shape
Slightly asymmetrical with a rounded-to-bluntly pointed tip; typical of inner flight feathers.
Size
Approximately 4-5 inches (10-13 cm) in length, which is consistent with the secondary feathers of a mid-sized woodpecker.
Rarity
Common; one of the most frequently seen and heard woodpeckers in North America.
Color & Pattern
Boldly patterned with alternating dark brownish-black and creamy white bars. The rachis (shaft) shows a hint of yellow/golden undertone, characteristic of the 'Yellow-shafted' form.
Barb Structure
Densely packed pennaceous barbs providing a rigid vane for flight, transitioning to soft, plumulaceous barbs at the base (superior umbilicus).
Texture & Surface
Smooth and firm surface with a slight waxy gloss; the trailing edge is softer than the leading edge to aid in flight efficiency.
Description
This feather belongs to the Northern Flicker, a large, brownish woodpecker known for its unique habits. Unlike typical woodpeckers, Flickers are often seen hopping on lawns. They have a barred back, a black crescent on the chest, and flashes of bright yellow or red under the wings and tail during flight.
Key Features
Distinctive 'zebra-rimmed' or ladder-back banding pattern with high contrast between dark melanin and light creamy areas.
Habitat
Open woodlands, forest edges, yards, and parks; often found foraging on the ground for ants unlike most other woodpeckers.
Geographic Range
Common across North America, from the tree line in Canada and Alaska south to the Gulf of Mexico and Central America.
Condition Notes
Excellent condition with no visible fault bars or parasite damage; likely a naturally molted feather from a healthy adult.
Interesting Facts
Northern Flickers are ant specialists, using their long, barbed tongues to lap up thousands of ants in a single day.
Ecological Role
Primary cavity nester; they create holes used by many other bird and mammal species that cannot excavate their own homes.
Similar Species
Red-bellied Woodpecker (smaller feathers, different banding frequency) or Hairy Woodpecker (different distribution of white).