Northern Flicker (Red-shafted subspecies)

A medium-sized woodpecker with a barred brown back, black crescent on the chest, and spotted belly. Unlike most woodpeckers, it frequently forages on the ground for ants. In flight, the red-shafted variety shows a brilliant flash of salmon-red under the wings and tail.

Vibrant salmon-red to orange shaft (rachis) and inner vane, transitioning to a distinct jet-black broad band at the distal tip. The base shows fuzzy grey plumulaceous down.

Densely interlocked pennaceous barbs throughout most of the vane; stiff and rigid to provide support against tree bark.

Smooth, glossy, and very rigid. The surface has a waxy appearance, and the vane is highly resistant to bending.

Salmon-red rachis, stiff pointed tip for bracing, and a thick black terminal band.

Open woodlands, forest edges, suburban parks, and residential yards with mature trees and open ground for foraging.

Common across western North America, from Alaska through the western US (including Bend, OR) into Mexico.

Primary cavity nester; their abandoned holes provide essential nesting sites for many other birds and small mammals. They control insect populations.

Yellow-shafted Flicker (east of the Rockies), which has bright yellow quills. In hybrid zones, 'intergrades' may show orange hues.

Northern Flickers are the only woodpeckers in North America that frequently feed on the ground. They use their long, sticky tongues to lap up ants and beetles.

Excellent condition. The tip is sharp and the vane is intact, suggested a freshly molted feather or one from a healthy adult.

Bend OR