Fairly small, stout black-and-white woodpecker with buffy underparts. Male is brightly marked with a flaming orange patch on the neck, a crimson crown, and a dull orange vent. A bright red patch on the chest is less visible. Females are duller, but sometimes have a paler orange neck and breast patch. Similar in coloration to Darjeeling and Great Spotted Woodpeckers, but Crimson-breasted is noticeably smaller and stouter. Inhabits mid- to high-altitude broadleaf forests. Call is a loud “chik!”.