Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted or Red-shafted variation/hybrid)
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Piciformes, Family: Picidae, Genus: Colaptes, Species: C. auratus
Family: Picidae (Woodpeckers)
- Shape
- Relatively elongated and slightly asymmetrical, tapering to a somewhat pointed tip but lacking the extreme structural stiffness of the central climbing rectrices.
- Size
- Estimated at 3.5 to 5 inches (9-13 cm) in length. This is consistent with the typical size of lateral tail feathers for a medium-sized woodpecker.
- Rarity
- Common; one of the most widespread and frequently encountered woodpeckers in North America.
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Description
This feather belongs to the Northern Flicker, a large, brownish woodpecker with a black bib and spotted underparts. Flickers are unique for their ground-foraging habits and flashes of bright yellow or red under their wings and tail during flight.
Colour & Pattern
Distinctive tri-color pattern: the base is a muted brownish-gray, followed by a wide, solid black subterminal band, and a cream-to-white terminal tip. The rachis appears light, potentially yellow or pinkish-white depending on the subspecies (shaftedness).
Barb Structure
The upper two-thirds are pennaceous with tightly interlocked barbs, while the base (calamus area) features plumulaceous (downy) barbs for insulation. The vane is intact with minimal fraying.
Texture & Surface
Smooth and glossy in the black band; the white tip has a slightly softer, matte appearance. The overall feather is stiff, as is characteristic of woodpecker tail feathers used for support.
Key Features
Bold black subterminal band, distinct cream/white tip, and a rigid, straight rachis. The sharp contrast between the black band and the pale tip is a diagnostic hallmark for Flicker rectrices.
Habitat
Open woodlands, forest edges, yards, and parks. Unlike many woodpeckers, they are frequently seen foraging on the ground in short grass.
Geographic Range
Common across North America, from the treeline in Alaska and Canada throughout the United States and into Central America. Northern populations are migratory.
Ecological Role
Primary cavity nester; they create holes in trees that are vital for dozens of other species (secondary cavity nesters). They are also major predators of ground-dwelling ants.
Similar Species
Other woodpeckers like the Hairy Woodpecker have white outer tail feathers, but they lack the broad, clean black subterminal band found in the Flicker.
Interesting Facts
Northern Flickers are one of the few North American woodpeckers that are strongly migratory. They also have a specialized long, barbed tongue that can extend 2 inches past their beak to lap up ants.
Condition Notes
Good condition. The barbs are mostly zipped, and the white tip shows negligible wear, suggesting it was recently molted or from a healthy bird.