Golden-fronted Woodpecker

Melanerpes aurifrons

Overview

The Golden-fronted Woodpecker (Melanerpes aurifrons) is a species of woodpecker (family Picidae) in the order of woodpeckers and toucans (Piciformes) of bird (class Aves).

Description

A medium-sized woodpecker, plain buffy-brown overall with black-and-white barring on the back. Males have a red crown, yellow spot in front of the eyes, and a yellow-orange nape. Females have a yellow patch in front of the eyes, and a yellow nape.

Range

Found in mesquite, riparian woodlands, and tropical rainforest from Texas and Oklahoma in the United States through Mexico to northern Nicaragua in Central America.