May 22, 2016 - Texas - Golden-fronted Woodpecker

In the United States, the Golden-fronted Woodpecker is found only in Texas and southwestern Oklahoma. This is a male. Both male and female have yellow feathers on the backs of their heads and just above their bills. The male has red feathers on the top of his head.

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Here is a photo of a female. Note the absence of red feathers on top of the head. These photos were taken at the bird photography workshop I attended in February, 2016.

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Now you can see how the Golden-fronted Woodpecker got its name. This patch of golden feathers is hidden when the bird is clinging to the side of a tree.

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The Golden-fronted Woodpecker is closely related to the Red-bellied Woodpecker which is found over most of the eastern United States.

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Here’s a good look at the red and yellow feathers on a male Golden-fronted Woodpecker.

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Golden-fronted Woodpeckers are year-round residents. They like dry, brushy areas and open woodlands. Their diet consists of insects, nuts, and berries. These woodpeckers are 8½ to 10 inches long.

I have more Woodpecker photos in my “Texas Photography Workshop” gallery. Here's a link to that gallery. When you get there, click on the Woodpecker photo. http://www.earlorfphotos.com/Trips/Texas-Photo-Workshop-Feb-2016/n-4pq9dr

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