Fairly large green-backed woodpecker. In the eastern part of the range, the underparts and face are covered in fine barring. In the west, the face and breast are finely speckled, with some larger black markings on the lower belly. Found in montane forest. Very quiet bird that occasionally gives a “kwee” call. Similar to Fine-spotted Woodpecker, but found in different habitat, lacks a red or black stripe on the face, and also lacks barring in the wing and tail.