Very large black woodpecker of native forests with large diameter trees, from dense, bamboo-choked temperate rainforest to rather open and stunted woodlands in drier areas. Ranges widely in large territories, often in pairs or family groups. Can be very confiding, feeding quietly at close range, when best located by strong taps as it digs out grubs from rotting wood. Male has a flame-red head while the female’s head is black with a distinctive recurved crest. Drumming is a loud, resonant, rapid double-rap that carries well.