Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)

The Northern Flicker is a large, distinctive woodpecker with brownish plumage barred with black, a white rump patch visible in flight, and a gentle curved bill. Unlike most woodpeckers, they spend a significant amount of time on the ground foraging for ants.

Rich golden-yellow central rachis with dark brown or black bars and scalloping across a pale grayish-white background, highly characteristic of the yellow-shafted subspecies.

Tightly interlocked pennaceous vane on the upper portion, transitioning to a semi-plumulaceous or fluffy base with barbules securely hooked via barbicels.

Smooth, firm, and glossy along the pennaceous web with a stiff, resilient rachis and a softer, downy texture near the base.

Brilliant yellow rachis (shaft) and striking black-and-brown barred or scalloped patterning across the vane.

Open woodlands, forest edges, yards, parks, and semi-open country with scattered trees and dead snags for nesting.

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

Key cavity excavator that creates nesting homes for numerous secondary cavity nesters, such as bluebirds, tree swallows, and smaller owls.

Red-shafted Flicker, which features reddish-orange rachises and undersides of wings and tail instead of yellow.

Unlike typical woodpeckers that hammer trees for wood-boring insects, Northern Flickers specialize in eating ants and beetles, often probing the ground with their slightly curved bills and specialized barbed tongues.

Good condition, fresh appearance with intact barbs and minimal wear or fading.

Fairfield Ct Oaklawn Cemetery