A characteristic central Texas woodpecker replacing the Red-bellied Woodpecker west of the Interstate 35 corridor. Features zebra-striped black-and-white backing with a golden-yellow patch above the bill and orange-yellow nape.
Field Identification: Golden-yellow patch at base of bill, golden-orange nape patch, black and white barred back, and bright red crown spot on adult males.
Texas & Hill Country Notes: West of Interstate 35 in Texas, the Golden-fronted Woodpecker completely replaces its eastern relative, the Red-bellied Woodpecker. They play an essential role in cedar brake ecology by eating and dispersing native Agarita and Hackberry seeds across savannas.
