A boldly patterned woodpecker of mountainous forest with mix of conifers and aspen. Male is striking: mostly black with bold white wing patch, two white stripes on face, red throat, and yellow belly. White rump is conspicuous, especially in flight. Female has a brown head and intricate black-and-white barring on back and wings, dark breast, white rump, and yellow belly. Typically seen singly or in pairs. Staccato drumming like other sapsuckers, starting out fast and slowing down with uneven tempo.