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Golden-fronted Woodpecker

Melanerpes aurifrons

An active, noisy and conspicuous bird, the golden-fronted woodpecker adds a splash of color to the mesquite brushlands of southern Texas.
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Visual Identification

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

Colours

Primary Colour

Black White Yellow

Secondary Colour

Red Orange

Beak Colour

Grey

Leg Colour

Grey

Primary Colour (Female)

Black White Yellow

Secondary Colour (Female)

Orange

Beak Colour (Female)

Grey

Leg Colour (Female)

Grey

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

The Golden-fronted Woodpecker can be found in Woodland habitats.

Garden

The Golden-fronted Woodpecker is not typically found in Garden habitats.

Wetland

The Golden-fronted Woodpecker is not typically found in Wetland habitats.

Coastal

The Golden-fronted Woodpecker is not typically found in Coastal habitats.

Urban

The Golden-fronted Woodpecker can be found in Urban habitats.

Farmland

The Golden-fronted Woodpecker is not typically found in Farmland habitats.

Grassland

The Golden-fronted Woodpecker is not typically found in Grassland habitats.

Desert

The Golden-fronted Woodpecker is not typically found in Desert habitats.

Tundra

The Golden-fronted Woodpecker is not typically found in Tundra habitats.

Rainforest

The Golden-fronted Woodpecker is not typically found in Rainforest habitats.

Mountain

The Golden-fronted Woodpecker is not typically found in Mountain habitats.

Savanna

The Golden-fronted Woodpecker is not typically found in Savanna habitats.

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

This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Golden-fronted Woodpecker. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.

A few things to keep in mind:

  • Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
  • Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
  • This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations

We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:

  • More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
  • How birds move around during different seasons
© 2024 - Birdfact
Resident
Breeding

Distribution by Region

Species that can be found in the area throughout the year
Belize El Salvador Guatemala Honduras Mexico Nicaragua
Species that are present in the area during their breeding season
United States of America

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Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

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Bird Attributes Explained

Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.

Attribute Categories:
  • Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
  • Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
  • Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
  • Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
  • Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

Understanding the Ratings:

  • 0-20: Very Low
  • 21-40: Low
  • 41-60: Average
  • 61-80: High
  • 81-100: Very High

Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.

Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Agility 85

Agility

Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.

The Golden-fronted Woodpecker demonstrates high agility through its adept climbing of tree trunks and branches, as well as its undulating flight pattern. Its ability to manoeuvre swiftly whilst foraging for insects indicates impressive dexterity.

Strength 70

Strength

Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.

Whilst not exceptionally strong compared to larger birds, the Golden-fronted Woodpecker possesses sufficient strength to excavate nest cavities in dead trees and utility poles. This ability, combined with its foraging technique, suggests above-average strength for its size.

Adaptability 80

Adaptability

Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.

This species shows notable adaptability by thriving in various habitats, from open woodlands to urban areas. Its diverse diet, including insects, fruits, and seeds, and its ability to use man-made structures for nesting, further demonstrate its adaptable nature.

Aggressiveness 75

Aggressiveness

Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.

Golden-fronted Woodpeckers are known to be territorial and may aggressively defend their nesting sites from intruders. Their vocal nature and territorial displays suggest a relatively high level of aggressiveness, particularly during breeding season.

Endurance 65

Endurance

Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

While specific endurance data is limited, the bird's active foraging behaviour and ability to excavate nesting cavities indicate moderate endurance. Its year-round residency in its habitat suggests it can withstand varying environmental conditions, though it's not known for long-distance flights.

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.

Conservation and Status

Global Conservation Status

Least Concern [1]

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.

Population Data

Global Population Estimate

5,300,000 mature individuals [2]

Global Population Trend

Trend data may be uncertain or fluctuating

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:

Picidae

Average Lifespan

5 to 8 years

Predators

Main predators include hawks, owls, and snakes. Squirrels and raccoons may prey on eggs and nestlings.

Did You Know?

  1. Golden-fronted Woodpeckers sometimes create sap wells, similar to sapsuckers, to attract insects.
  2. They have been observed using man-made structures like telephone poles for nesting.
  3. These woodpeckers are crucial in controlling insect populations in their habitats.

References

  1. 1

    website: BirdLife International. 2016. Melanerpes aurifrons. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T22680862A92883010.

    View source
  2. 2 3

    report, 2007: Breeding Bird Survey and/or Christmas Bird Count: Butcher and Niven

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