Identification
Large red-headed woodpecker of tropical forest in lowlands and foothills; also in pine-oak forest of lower mountain slopes. Red head (with black forehead and throat on female) is often more squared than Lineated. Juvenile Pale-billed has black face with white cheek stripe, very like Lineated, but soon attains red head and usually travels with adults. All plumages of Pale-billed have a white V on the back, compare Lineated. Loud double-rap drum distinctive; drum in West Mexico often longer, but still very slow-paced.