The only small woodpecker in its range. Fairly common but easily overlooked in a variety of wooded and forested habitats, parks, farmland, and matorral with taller hedges and trees. Usually found as ones and twos, foraging on smaller branches from low bushes to tall Eucalyptus trees. Sometimes joins with feeding flocks of rayaditos and other species, mainly in winter. Black-and-white pattern much like other small woodpeckers, with barred upperparts and dark streaks (or stripes) on breast. Male has a red nape patch.