- Melanerpes aurifrons
Identification
9 1/2" (24 cm). Barred with black and white above and buff below, like Red-bellied Woodpecker, but male has red restricted to cap; nape orange; forecrown yellow; female lacks red but has orange nape. Voice: Loud churrrr. Call a burry chuck-chuck-chuck.
Distribution
Resident in southwestern Oklahoma and central Texas.
Taxonomy
The species name aurifrons is Latin for "gold-fronted
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. A southwestern species, it is a close relative of and resembles the Red-bellied Woodpecker found mainly in the Southeast. ."
Behaviour
Nesting 4 or 5 white eggs in holes in mesquite trees, poles, and posts.
