This is the Golden-cheeked Woodpecker, Melanerpes chrysogenys, a bold little bird found only on the Pacific side of Mexico—from southern Sonora down to Oaxaca. Nowhere else on Earth.
They’re almost always seen in pairs, moving together from tree to tree, often checking out the cavities they find, or defending one. That deep red crown on the male, paired with the gold nape and those dramatic zebra-striped backs, makes them one of the most visually striking birds in the region.
And if you’ve ever heard tapping on a street sign or metal pole that seemed weirdly loud—that was them. These woodpeckers are known for using metal to amplify their drumming, like they’re showing off, using a built-in speaker system.
Watch for them in early morning or late afternoon when they’re most vocal. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch both parents trading off guard duty at a nest hole—like the pair in the photos.
Photo William MertzPhoto William Mertz
QUICK FACTS
Name: Golden-cheeked Woodpecker (Melanerpes chrysogenys)
Range: Endemic to western Mexico (not found anywhere else)
Sound: Loud squeaky calls, sharp metallic taps
Behavior: Often in pairs, known to nest in palm trees and cacti
Fun Fact: They sometimes drum on metal signs or wires to boost their volume
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