Golden-cheeked Woodpecker

Overview

The golden-cheeked woodpecker (Melanerpes chrysogenys) is a species of bird in the woodpecker family Picidae that is endemic to Mexico. It is assessed as a species of Least Concern with a stable population and no immediate threats identified.

Identification

• Length of 19 to 22 cm with a longish black bill and green-gray legs.
• Upperparts are barred black and white, while underparts are gray-brown to brownish-buff with a strong olive-yellow wash and a yellowish orange patch on the central belly.
• Face features include deep golden-yellow lores, golden-buff cheeks, and a wide black area surrounding the eye.
• Adult males have a red crown, whereas adult females have a grayish-buff crown; both possess a yellow-gold or orange-red nape.
• Vocalisations include a 'nasal ki-di-dik' and a 'loud, nasal cheek-oo, cheek-oo, cheek-oo, keh-i-heh-ek'.

Habitat

The species inhabits the interior and edges of mesophytic to xeric forest, as well as more open landscapes such as patches of forest, savanna with trees, and plantations. It ranges in elevation from sea level to about 1,500 m across western and central Mexico.

Diet

It feeds on insects such as ants and adult and larval beetles, as well as on fruits and seeds. Foraging occurs on the middle to upper levels of trees, where the bird gleans, probes, and pecks for food, either singly or in pairs.

Did you know?

The species is not well known and requires further research on its breeding biology, despite being common to fairly common within its range.