Northern Flicker (Red-shafted group)
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Piciformes, Family: Picidae, Genus: Colaptes, Species: Colaptes auratus
Family: Picidae (Woodpeckers, Piculets, and Wrynecks)
- Shape
- Stiff, pointed, and slightly asymmetrical for flight feathers; tail feathers are exceptionally stiff and taper to a sharp, pointed tip specialized for propping against tree trunks.
- Size
- Longest specimens shown are approximately 11-12 cm (approx. 4.5 inches). This is consistent with the mid-to-outer rectrices of a Northern Flicker.
- Rarity
- Common; one of the most widespread and easily recognized woodpeckers in North America.
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Description
These striking feathers belong to the Northern Flicker, a large woodpecker (11-14 inches) known for its ground-foraging habits. Unlike other woodpeckers, it is frequently seen hopping on lawns. The 'Red-shafted' variety is defined by these salmon-colored feather quills, which are highly visible during flight.
Colour & Pattern
Salmon-pink to vibrant orange-red on the shafts (rachis) and underside of the barbs. The upper surface is primarily brownish-gray or olive. No distinct banding is visible on these specific feathers, which is typical for the inner vanes of rectrices in this subspecies.
Barb Structure
Densely interlocked pennaceous barbs on the distal portion; plumulaceous (fluffy) barbs near the base (calamus). The tail feathers have a unique structural rigidity.
Texture & Surface
Tail feathers are stiff, smooth, and glossy. The flight-related feathers have a matte finish on the dorsal side and a waxy, pigmented shine on the ventral side.
Key Features
Bright salmon-red pigmented rachis (shaft) and stiff, pointed tail feather tips designed for arboreal support.
Habitat
Open woodlands, forest edges, suburban parks, and backyards. Unlike many woodpeckers, they frequently forage on the ground for ants.
Geographic Range
Western North America, from southern Alaska through the Rockies and Pacific Coast to Mexico. They interbreed with the Yellow-shafted subspecies in the Great Plains.
Ecological Role
Primary cavity nester; their abandoned nesting holes provide critical habitat for 'secondary' cavity nesters like bluebirds and small owls. They also control ant and beetle populations.
Similar Species
Yellow-shafted Flicker (yellow rachis), Gilded Flicker (found in deserts, yellow-orange), and Various Woodpeckers (lack the red/orange pigmentation).
Interesting Facts
The Northern Flicker is one of the few North American woodpeckers that is strongly migratory. They have a specialized long, barbed tongue that can extend 2 inches past the beak to lick up ants.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Several feathers show significant wear, fraying of the barbs (vane separation), and some damage at the calamus, suggesting they were naturally molted or possibly scavenged.