ExploreBirds

Golden-fronted Woodpecker

Melanerpes aurifrons

The Golden-fronted Woodpecker is a colorful bird with a bright yellow belly and a striking red crown. They love to peck on trees to find tasty bugs and make their homes in wood.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Golden-fronted Woodpecker has a distinctive barred black and white back, with a pale buffy-brown underside. Males sport a vibrant red crown and nape, along with a signature golden-yellow patch at the base of their bill.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPiciformesFamilyPicidaeGenusMelanerpes
Golden-fronted Woodpecker
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Golden-fronted Woodpecker

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Their loud drumming on trees is often a way to attract a mate!

They sometimes tap on metal poles or signs for an extra loud sound!

They store acorns and other seeds in tree holes for later meals!

This bird can stretch its amazing tongue almost twice its head length!

Special abilities

Ability

Head-Banging Power

Golden-fronted Woodpecker has a specially adapted skull that absorbs shock, helping them hammer wood without injury.

Ability

Sticky Tongue

Golden-fronted Woodpecker can extend a long, barbed tongue to extract insects hidden deep within tree bark.

Ability

Clinging Claws

Golden-fronted Woodpecker has zygodactyl feet (two toes forward, two back) that help them grip tree trunks tightly.

Ability

Tail Prop

Golden-fronted Woodpecker uses stiff tail feathers as a strong prop, helping them balance while climbing and drilling.

Measurements & details

Length
22-26 cm
Wingspan
40-45 cm
Weight
0.068-0.101 kg
Lifespan
6-10 years
Top Speed
35 km/h
Clutch Size
3-7
Incubation
12-14 days

Diet & Feeding

These omnivores enjoy insects, fruits, nuts, and even cactus fruit to stay healthy!

Primary Foods

  • Beetle larvae
  • Ants
  • Grasshoppers
  • Berries
  • Cactus fruit
  • Acorns
  • Nectar

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Red-tailed Hawk

Buteo jamaicensis

A common hawk that preys on adult woodpeckers.

eaten by

Eastern Screech-Owl

Otus asio

An owl that hunts nestlings and sleeping adults.

depends on

Engelmann's Prickly Pear

Opuntia engelmannii

Eats fruit from this common cactus for food and moisture.

depends on

Plateau Live Oak

Quercus fusiformis

Nests in and gathers acorns from this oak species.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Enjoy watching woodpeckers from a distance and don't disturb their nests.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Golden-fronted Woodpecker?

22-26 cm

What is Golden-fronted Woodpecker's wingspan?

40-45 cm

How much does Golden-fronted Woodpecker weigh?

0.068-0.101 kg

How long does Golden-fronted Woodpecker live?

6-10 years

How fast can Golden-fronted Woodpecker move?

35 km/h

What does Golden-fronted Woodpecker eat?

These omnivores enjoy insects, fruits, nuts, and even cactus fruit to stay healthy!

Where is Golden-fronted Woodpecker usually found?

Forests

How does Golden-fronted Woodpecker hunt?

Foraging

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