Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)

The Northern Flicker is a large, distinct woodpecker known for its brownish body barred with black and a white patch on the rump that is conspicuous in flight. Unlike most woodpeckers, they frequently feed on the ground primarily on ants and beetles, using their slightly curved bill to probe.

Striking gray-brown upper surface with fine dark barring, transitioning to a bold black subterminal band and a pale whitish-gray tip. The shaft is distinctive yellow (or white/grayish near the base depending on subspecies), though these appear to be from the yellow-shafted form.

Strongly pennaceous through the upper vane with tightly interlocked barbs, and a prominent fluffy plumulaceous tuft (afterfeather) at the base.

Stiff, rigid, and matte in appearance with a very strong, springy rachis adapted for mechanical support against rough bark.

Gray-brown barred upperparts, distinct bold black subterminal band near the pale tip, stiff pointed shaft structure, and typically golden-yellow shaft undersides in eastern populations.

Open woodlands, forest edges, suburban parks, orchards, and yards with scattered trees and snags for nesting and foraging.

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

Act as a keystone species by excavating tree cavities used by dozens of other secondary cavity-nesters, including bluebirds, swallows, and small owls.

Red-bellied Woodpecker or Downy Woodpecker, though neither possesses the distinctive broad black subterminal tail band and colored shaft combination of the flicker.

Northern Flickers can eat up to 3,000 ants at a single meal, using a tongue that can extend up to two inches beyond the tip of their bill coated with sticky saliva.

Good condition with minor wear at the tips and intact basal down, showing normal signs of natural molt.