Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)

The Northern Flicker is a large, distinctive woodpecker with brownish plumage barred with black, a white rump patch visible in flight, and a black crescent on the chest.

Striking pattern of bold blackish-brown bars and chevrons on a white background, featuring a distinct golden-yellow shaft (rachis).

Pennaceous vane with tightly interlocked barbs and barbules, featuring a small, wispy tuft of downy barbs at the base.

Stiff, durable, and smooth texture designed for mechanical wear against rough bark.

Bright yellow rachis (shaft) combined with bold black-and-white barred or scalloped patterning on a sturdy tail feather.

Open woodlands, forest edges, yards, parks, and semi-open country with scattered trees.

Widespread across North America, ranging from Alaska and Canada down through the United States to Central America.

Acts as a primary cavity excavator, creating homes for numerous secondary cavity-nesting birds and mammals.

Red-shafted Northern Flicker, which features reddish-orange feather shafts instead of yellow.

Unlike most woodpeckers, flickers spend a lot of time on the ground foraging primarily for ants.

Good condition with intact barbs and a clean, unfaded shaft, showing minimal wear.