A small, short-tailed woodpecker of the Abyssinian highlands. Note the pure golden-green back and the white facial streaks that frame a dark cheek. Males have a red cap and females a dark one. Found in montane woodland and open forest. Within its small range, most similar to Cardinal Woodpecker, but separated by the slightly larger size, the dark cheek, and the brighter yellow back. Quiet and inconspicuous, but sometimes gives a high, rattling call.