Golden-fronted Woodpecker
July 16, 2006
The Golden-fronted Woodpecker, (Melanerpes auriferous), is a North American woodpecker. Its preferred habitats are riverbanks and mesquite woodlands in Texas and Oklahoma.
Nesting behavior of the golden-fronted is similar to that of the Red-bellied Woodpecker. Tall trees of pecan, oak, and mesquite are the major species used for nesting. Occasionally fence posts, telephone poles, and bird boxes are used.
The diet of the golden-fronted woodpecker consists of both insects and vegetable matter. Grasshoppers make up more than half of the animal matter and other insects include beetles and ants. Vegetable matter consumed consists of corn, acorns, wild fruits, and berries.