The golden-cheeked woodpecker (Melanerpes chrysogenys) is a medium-sized woodpecker found in the United States and Mexico. It is a member of the Picidae family, which also includes flickers, sapsuckers, and other woodpeckers. The golden-cheeked woodpecker is a distinctive bird with a bright yellow face and a black mask around its eyes. It has a white belly and a black back, and its wings are barred with black and white. The golden-cheeked woodpecker is a cavity-nesting bird, and it typically excavates its nest in dead or dying trees. It feeds primarily on insects, but it will also eat fruits and berries.
The golden-cheeked woodpecker is an important member of the ecosystem, as it helps to control populations of insects. It is also a popular bird with birdwatchers, as it is a relatively easy bird to spot. The golden-cheeked woodpecker is listed as a threatened species by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and it is protected by the Endangered Species Act.