Woodpeckers (us-RGV)

From WikiBird

RGV Guide

RGV Bird List

Picidae

Woodpeckers are near passerine birds of the order Piciformes. They have a world-wide distribution with many species, usually numbered at 218 (including the Ivory-billed).

Some woodpeckers and wrynecks in the order Piciformes have zygodactyl or “yoked" feet, with two toes pointing forward, and two backward. These feet, though adapted for clinging to a vertical surface, can be used for grasping or perching. Several species have only three toes. The long tongue found in some woodpeckers can be darted forward to capture insects.

Genus: Melanerpes

• Red-headed Woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus)
• Golden-fronted Woodpecker (Melanerpes aurifrons)
• Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus)

Genus: Sphyrapicus

• Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius)

Genus: Picoides

• Ladder-backed Woodpecker (Picoides scalaris)

Genus: Colaptes

• Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus)