Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted or Red-shafted)

The Northern Flicker is a large, distinctive woodpecker with brownish plumage barred with black and a white rump patch that is conspicuous in flight. Unlike many woodpeckers, they frequently forage on the ground for ants and beetles.

Dark brownish-black body with prominent white edging and a distinctly colored central shaft (rachis), which is yellow in eastern forms and salmon-red in western forms.

Pennaceous with tightly interlocked barbs for structural rigidity, showing some fraying at the edges.

Stiff, rigid, and matte texture designed to provide mechanical support when propping against bark.

Brightly colored rachis (yellow or orange-red), stiff pointed tip, and contrasting black and white barring or dark tones.

Open woodlands, forest edges, yards, parks, and areas with scattered trees or dead snags for nesting.

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

Primary cavity nesters that create homes used by dozens of other secondary cavity-nesting species, playing a keystone role in forest ecosystems.

Other woodpecker species such as Pileated Woodpecker or Red-bellied Woodpecker, but distinguished by the bright shaft color and distinct patterning.

Northern Flickers are unique among North American woodpeckers for their heavy reliance on ants for food, using a specialized sticky tongue that can extend two inches beyond the bill tip.

Good condition with minor wear and fraying along the lateral vane edges.