Small woodpecker of lowland rainforest; heard more often than seen. Note prominent yellow patch on nape in both sexes. Smaller and less colorful than other woodpeckers that occur with it. Often with mixed-species flocks; occurs from mid-level into canopy, infrequently in the understory. Climbs tree trunks and bores into dead wood and arboreal termite nests. Call is a drawn-out, ringing trill on one pitch.