Golden-fronted Woodpecker
Least ConcernMelanerpes aurifrons
Visual Identification
Golden-fronted Woodpecker
Appearance
The Golden-fronted Woodpecker is a striking bird with a black and white barred back, yellow nape, and distinctive golden-orange forehead. Its underparts are pale with dark spots on the sides, and a black tail with white outer feathers.
Males have a red crown patch, which females lack. Juveniles resemble adults but have duller plumage and less defined markings. The golden forehead is less pronounced in young birds.
Size
Length
21cm to 26cm
Wingspan
43cm to 48cm
Weight
65g to 90g
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Golden-fronted Woodpeckers inhabit open woodlands, scrublands, and semi-arid regions from central Texas and Oklahoma south through Mexico to northern Nicaragua. They are also found in urban areas with mature trees.
In the United States, they are year-round residents in Texas and parts of Oklahoma, making them a popular species for birdwatchers in these regions.
Elevation Range
Up to 2,500 meters
Climate zones
Subtropical, Tropical
Distribution Map
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Diet
The Golden-fronted Woodpecker's varied diet consists primarily of insects, especially beetles and their larvae. These woodpeckers visit bird feeders, particularly those offering suet or sunflower seeds.
Foraging for invertebrates and their larvae, mainly ants, beetles, moths, grasshoppers, and spiders, takes place by probing and gleaning from tree trunks and branches and pecking on the ground.
Pecans, acorns, corn, and bananas are eaten in fall and winter, and berries (chiefly hackberry, soapberry, and wolfberry), citrus fruits, persimmon, and prickly pear cactus fruits are popular in spring and summer. Golden-fronted woodpeckers have also been noted to eat eggs stolen from other birds’ nests.
Behaviour
Golden-fronted Woodpeckers are active foragers, often seen climbing tree trunks and branches in search of insects. They have a distinctive undulating flight pattern and are known to be quite vocal. These birds are territorial and may aggressively defend their nesting sites from intruders.
Vocalisation
The Golden-fronted Woodpecker has a distinctive call, often described as a loud, rolling 'kwirr' or 'churr'. They produce a series of sharp 'wick-wick-wick' sounds during territorial displays. Their drumming is rapid and can be heard echoing through their woodland habitats.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding season for Golden-fronted Woodpeckers typically begins in late spring. Pairs form monogamous bonds and often return to the same nesting area year after year.
These woodpeckers excavate nest cavities in dead trees, palms, or utility poles. The female usually lays 4-7 white eggs in the unlined cavity, and both parents take turns incubating the eggs.
Incubation lasts about 12-14 days, and the nestlings fledge after approximately 30 days. The parents feed and care for the young for several weeks after leaving the nest.
Lifespan
years
The Golden-fronted Woodpecker typically lives for 5 to 8 years.
Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While the Golden-fronted Woodpecker is currently listed as Least Concern, habitat loss due to deforestation and urbanization poses a potential threat. Conservation efforts focus on preserving their woodland habitats and maintaining suitable nesting sites in urban areas.
Birdwatching Tips
- Listen for their loud, rolling calls to locate them in wooded areas
- Look for their distinctive golden forehead and barred back pattern
- Check palm trees and utility poles, which they often use for nesting
- Observe their foraging behavior on tree trunks and branches
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Golden-fronted Flicker
Family:
PicidaePredators
Main predators include hawks, owls, and snakes. Squirrels and raccoons may prey on eggs and nestlings.
Did You Know?
- Golden-fronted Woodpeckers sometimes create sap wells, similar to sapsuckers, to attract insects.
- They have been observed using man-made structures like telephone poles for nesting.
- These woodpeckers are crucial in controlling insect populations in their habitats.
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References
- 1
website: BirdLife International. 2016. Melanerpes aurifrons. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T22680862A92883010.
View source - 2 3
report, 2007: Breeding Bird Survey and/or Christmas Bird Count: Butcher and Niven