A large, sociable, ground-loving woodpecker of open, lightly-vegetated country, where it prefers to perch on rocks. It has grayish olive upperparts, pale eyes, and a pink washed breast. Pairs and groups of up to eight birds prefer areas with boulders and earthen banks for nest holes. They feed on the ground, looking for ants and other insects. Calls a distinctive loud harsh ringing “skeaar” and a piping “che-weeka-weeeka-week”.