Unmistakable large, crow-sized woodpecker, all black with a red crown, which is reduced in females. Powerful, straight, and rather flappy flight without the undulations of other woodpeckers. Very noisy, with a strident "ke-yaa" given when landing or perched and a "krry-krry-krry" call uttered in flight. Found in a range of forest types, especially older mixed forest.