Golden-fronted Woodpecker vs Black-backed Woodpecker

In short

The Golden-fronted Woodpecker and Black-backed Woodpecker are distinct in both appearance and habitat preference. The Golden-fronted Woodpecker is more colorful with a golden nape and a red crown in males, while the Black-backed Woodpecker is mostly black with a yellow crown patch in males. Their habitats are also quite different, with the Golden-fronted preferring open woodlands and the Black-backed favoring recently burned forests.

Identification tips

• Golden-fronted Woodpecker: Look for the golden nape and red crown in males, and barred black-and-white back. Found in open woodlands.
• Black-backed Woodpecker: Note the black back and yellow crown patch in males. Prefers recently burned forests.
• Both: Check the habitat—Golden-fronted in open woodlands, Black-backed in burned forests.

Size

Both species are medium-sized woodpeckers, but the Golden-fronted Woodpecker is slightly larger and more robust than the Black-backed Woodpecker.

Plumage

The Golden-fronted Woodpecker has a golden nape, a red crown in males, and a barred black-and-white back. In contrast, the Black-backed Woodpecker has a predominantly black back, with males sporting a yellow crown patch.

Behaviour

Golden-fronted Woodpeckers are often seen gleaning or probing for food, while Black-backed Woodpeckers are known for their loud foraging taps and preference for burned trees.

Habitat

Golden-fronted Woodpeckers inhabit open woodlands and riparian areas, whereas Black-backed Woodpeckers are closely associated with recently burned forests.

Voice

The vocalizations of the Golden-fronted Woodpecker are similar to the Red-bellied Woodpecker, while the Black-backed Woodpecker is noted for its distinctive Scream-Rattle-Snarl call.