Attractive medium-sized woodpecker, golden-olive overall with bold black spotting on body and wings. Striking face pattern with red nape, black forecrown, white cheek, and checkered throat. Males also show red mustache; sexes otherwise similar. Widespread but usually uncommon; found in a variety of open forested habitats and edges, including scrubby second growth and gardens. Most frequently heard call is a series of peeping notes, “pi-pi-pi-pi-pi-pi-pi-pi.”