Golden-fronted Woodpecker

The Golden-fronted Woodpecker is a handsome, barred-backed woodpecker with pale gray-buff underparts and a distinctive golden-yellow to orange patch on the nape, extending forward to a small patch above the bill. Males additionally show an orange-red crown patch, while females lack it, showing gray on the crown instead.

This species largely replaces the similar Red-bellied Woodpecker across the brushlands of south and central Texas, with the two species overlapping in a narrow contact zone where hybrids occasionally occur.

Key Field Marks

• Black-and-white barred back and wings
• Pale gray-buff face and underparts, sometimes with a faint orange wash on the belly
• Bright golden-yellow to orange nape patch, extending to a small patch above the bill
• Males show an additional orange-red crown patch; females have a plain gray crown

Similar Species

• Red-bellied Woodpecker overlaps in range and looks similar but has a red nape extending onto the crown in males and lacks the golden forehead patch; ranges meet in a narrow zone in central Texas.
• Gila Woodpecker lacks the golden nape and forehead patch and has a plain tan face.

Habitat

Golden-fronted Woodpeckers inhabit mesquite brushland, riparian woodlands, palm groves, and increasingly suburban parks and yards across their Texas range.

Range

Found from south and central Texas and southwestern Oklahoma south through eastern Mexico to Nicaragua.

Migration

This species is a non-migratory resident throughout its range.

Behavior

Golden-fronted Woodpeckers are conspicuous, vocal birds that forage on trunks, limbs, and occasionally the ground, and readily cache acorns and other food in bark crevices for later use.

Voice

Calls include a rolling churr similar to Red-bellied Woodpecker and a sharp chattering rattle; drumming is a fast, even roll.

Feeding

Diet is varied, including insects, acorns, pecans, fruit, corn, and cactus fruit; the species will also visit feeders.

Nesting

Pairs excavate cavities in dead limbs, utility poles, or fence posts; both parents incubate the 4-5 white eggs and feed the young.