Golden-cheeked Woodpecker

Melanerpes chrysogenys

The Golden-cheeked Woodpecker is a striking bird found in the pine-oak forests of Central America. It is known for its distinctive black-and-white plumage, with bright golden-yellow cheeks and a red crown. This woodpecker is a skilled forager, using its strong bill to excavate insects from tree bark. It also nests in tree cavities, often within the same areas it forages. The species is known for its distinctive calls and drumming sounds, which are used for communication and territorial displays. Due to habitat loss and fragmentation, the Golden-cheeked Woodpecker faces conservation challenges in some parts of its range.

Habitat: Pine-oak forests