Brightly-colored medium-sized woodpecker with a moss-green back, a bright yellow nape, and a powerful pale bill. Gray underparts distinguish this species from the smaller Lesser Yellownape. Males have a white throat or moustache stripe, while females have a dark red one. Gives high-pitched yelps or “kee-eep!” notes. Found in various forested areas, but most common in hilly and montane areas; not a woodpecker of small parks and cities. Forages on trunks and along branches in pairs and flocks, both single- and mixed-species.