Medium-sized woodpecker that breeds in montane forests, often in aspens or willows. Much like Yellow-bellied Sapsucker of the east, but little range overlap. Bold white slash on the wing separates from other woodpeckers; bold black, white, and red face pattern and white mottling on back separates from Red-breasted Sapsucker. Drills neat rows of shallow holes into bark for sap; mostly forages for small insects. Nests in cavities.