Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted or Red-shafted subspecies)

The Northern Flicker is a large, brownish woodpecker with a black bib and spotted underparts. In flight, they reveal a bright flash of color in the wings and tail (yellow or red) and a conspicuous white rump patch. Their flight is deeply undulating, and they are famous for their 'wick-wick-wick' call and loud drumming.

Dusky brown to charcoal-grey on the dorsal vane surface with a strikingly bright, pigmented rachis (shaft). Depending on the specimen's region, the shaft is typically bright yellow (East) or salmon-red (West). This specimen shows a distinct reddish-pink hue on the shaft.

Tightly pennaceous and rigid throughout the main vane to provide structural support; plumulaceous (downy) at the very base for insulation.

Stiff, smooth, and slightly glossy. The surface is designed to be durable and resistant to the mechanical wear of being pressed against bark.

The most diagnostic feature is the brightly colored, translucent rachis (shaft) combined with a stiff, pointed tip intended for 'tail-propping.'

Open woodlands, forest edges, yards, and parks. Unlike most woodpeckers, they are frequently seen on the ground foraging for ants.

Common across North America, from the treeline in Alaska and Canada south through the United States and into Central America.

Primary cavity nesters that create homes for many other 'secondary' cavity-nesting species. They are also vital for controlling insect populations, particularly ants and beetles.

Gilded Flicker (shaft color is always yellow, restricted to desert southwest) or Pileated Woodpecker (much larger, shaft is not brightly colored).

Northern Flickers are unique among woodpeckers for their preference to forage on the ground, where they use their long, sticky tongues to eat thousands of ants per day.

Good condition. There is minor chipping at the tip and some separation of the barbs (splits), likely due to natural wear against tree bark before molting.