- Melanerpes aurifrons
Identification
9 1/2" (24 cm). Barred with black and white above and buff below, nape orange; forecrown yellow; female lacks red but has orange nape. It is the most commonly observed woodpecker in much of Mexico and northern Central America.
Voice
Loud churrrr. Call a burry chuck-chuck-chuck.
Similar Species
Red-bellied Woodpecker, but male has red restricted to cap (though red extends right down the nape in some subspecies to the south of the range of Red-bellied Woodpecker, which is found mainly in the Southeaster U.S.).
Distribution
Resident from southwestern Oklahoma and central Texas down through Mexico and all of northern Central America to Nicaragua.
Taxonomy
The species name aurifrons is Latin for "gold-fronted" A number of subspecies occur throughout its range, mainly varying in the amount of yellow and red on the head. A hybrid zone occurs with the closely related Hoffman's Woodpecker in southern Honduras. Some authors have suggested that they should be considered as one species. Other authors have suggested treating some of the subspecies as separate species.
Habitat
Open woods in dry country and river bottoms with trees.
This familiar woodpecker is common in the parks and shade trees of Texas towns and cities.
Behaviour
Nesting 4 or 5 white eggs in holes in mesquite trees, poles, and posts.
