Medium-sized woodpecker that breeds in coniferous and mixed forests. Beautiful plumage with mostly red head and breast and bold white slash on the shoulder. Some show vague pattern of black-and-white on head, but always more red than Red-naped Sapsucker. Also note mostly black back with limited white mottling. Drills neat rows of shallow holes into bark for sap; mostly forages for small insects. Nests in cavities.