Golden-fronted Woodpecker (Melanerpes aurifrons) is in the Woodpeckers family (Picidae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 10,133 research-grade observations of it in our sample, peaking in April.
Seasonal pattern in the national data: seasonal. Counts also reflect when people are out photographing, so compare months within a state rather than across states.
When to photograph Golden-fronted Woodpecker: observations by month (U.S.)
About Golden-fronted Woodpecker
The golden-fronted woodpecker (Melanerpes aurifrons) is a North American woodpecker. Its preferred habitat is mesquite and riparian woodlands. It is distributed from Texas and Oklahoma in the United States through Mexico to Honduras and northern Nicaragua. Cooke listed this species as an abundant resident of the lower Rio Grande Valley, Texas, in 1884.From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.
Golden-fronted Woodpecker by state
| State | Observations | Peak month | Main season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | 10,103 | April | Oct–Jun |
| Oklahoma | 22 | January | Jan–Feb |
| Colorado | 7 | September | Sep–Sep |
Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.
Related birds (Woodpeckers)
Downy Woodpecker
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Pileated Woodpecker
Acorn Woodpecker
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Hairy Woodpecker
Red-headed Woodpecker
Photography tips
- Use a fast shutter (1/2000 s or faster) for birds in flight.
- Focus on the eye and shoot at the bird's eye level.
- Approach slowly and stop if the bird changes behavior; never bait or flush birds.
- Morning activity peaks in the first two hours after sunrise.
FAQ
When is the best time to photograph Golden-fronted Woodpecker?
Nationally, April has the most observations, with the main season from October to June.
Where is Golden-fronted Woodpecker most often seen?
The most observations come from Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado.