Melanerpes

The genus Melanerpes is a group of birds belonging to the woodpecker family, Picidae. These birds are known for their ability to probe tree bark for insects and for chiseling out nest holes in deadwood. While many woodpeckers primarily eat insects, species within the Melanerpes genus are notable for also consuming fruits and berries. Examples include the acorn woodpecker (M. formicivorus), which stores acorns for winter food, and the red-headed woodpecker (M. erythrocephalus). Woodpeckers are found nearly worldwide, with the exception of Australia and New Guinea, and are most abundant in South America and Southeast Asia.1