Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted or Red-shafted)

A striking brownish woodpecker with a barred back, spotted underparts, and a conspicuous white rump patch visible in flight. The colorful shaft of this feather is a hallmark of the species.

Vibrant reddish-orange or salmon-pink tones on the vane, with a contrasting dark black tip and barbs

Pennaceous structure tightly interlocked along the vanes with a semiplumulaceous fluffy base near the calamus

Smooth, stiff, and semi-glossy on the pennaceous vane, becoming softer and fluffy at the base

Vibrant reddish-orange or yellow-orange coloration along the shaft and vane bases, combined with dark tips and barring

Open woodlands, forest edges, clearings, parks, and suburban areas with scattered trees and snags

Widespread across North America, extending down into parts of Central America and the Caribbean

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

Other woodpecker species, though few share this exact combination of bright shaft colors and barred brown patterns

Unlike most woodpeckers, Northern Flickers spend a significant amount of time on the ground foraging primarily for ants

Good condition with intact barbs and minimal signs of wear or fading