Likely Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted form); exact species is uncertain from this single feather.

A slim, barred feather consistent with a woodpecker such as a Northern Flicker. Flickers are large, brown, black-spotted woodpeckers with patterned underparts and conspicuous colored wing and tail linings; they often feed on ants on the ground.

Dark brown to black with several pale cream bars or patches. The visible side appears matte; shaft is brownish, with no evident iridescence.

Compact, interlocking pennaceous vanes; fine barbs are visible near the base, with no obvious fluffy aftershaft.

Straight, slender central rachis; alternating dark and pale sections cross the vane, whose barbs appear closely aligned.

Smooth, flat, and relatively firm-looking, with slightly loose barbs near the base.

Probably tail, based on its narrow, stiff-looking form and dark patterning; position is uncertain.

The strong dark-and-cream barring and narrow shape are compatible with flicker plumage, but are not enough to confirm species or feather position.

Northern Flickers use open woodlands, forest edges, parks, and yards, foraging mostly on the ground and nesting in tree cavities.

Northern Flickers occur across much of North America; northern birds migrate south, while many southern populations are resident.

Flickers consume ants and other invertebrates and excavate cavities later used by other wildlife. Their populations are broadly widespread, though local habitat loss and reduced nesting cavities can affect them.

Other Colaptes flickers and barred woodpecker feathers can look similar; shaft color, full feather pattern, location, and a specimen with scale are needed to distinguish them.

Flickers are unusual among North American woodpeckers for regularly feeding on the ground, especially on ants.

Feathers have cultural significance in many Indigenous traditions; possession or trade of native bird feathers may be regulated. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act generally prohibits keeping most native wild-bird feathers without authorization.

Photograph both sides beside a ruler and record where it was found; compare with regional feather guides rather than relying on color alone. Avoid collecting protected wild-bird feathers unless legally authorized.

Appears largely intact, with some looseness at the base; wear, age, and overall condition cannot be judged confidently from this view.