Golden-fronted Woodpecker
Melanerpes aurifrons
ORDER: PICIFORMES
FAMILY: PICIDAE
IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern
A stripe-backed woodpecker of Mexico and Central America, the Golden-fronted Woodpecker reaches the United States only in the brushlands and open woodlands of Texas and Oklahoma.
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Appearance
Woodpeckers
Adult Description
- Medium- to large-sized woodpecker.
- Back barred black-and-white.
- Orange-yellow back of neck.
- White rump.
- Male with red cap.
Immature Description
Juvenile similar to adult, but duller, with fine streaking on crown and breast, and only faint color on nape and nasal tufts. Eyes brown.
Field MarksHelp
Golden-fronted Woodpecker
Male
Golden-fronted Woodpecker
Female
Golden-fronted Woodpecker
Male
Golden-fronted Woodpecker
Female
Similar Species
Adult male
- Occurs across eastern U.S. but doesn't overlap with Golden-fronted
- Head lacks yellow
- Male has extensive red crown and nape
- © Rachel Banai
Similar Species
- Red-bellied Woodpecker has red nape, crown (in the male), and nasal tufts, and white-barred, not black central tail feathers.
- Gila Woodpecker has a plain gray head and nape, barred central tail feathers, and fine black bars on its rump.