A tiny dark brown woodpecker. Unlike its closest relatives, it lacks a crest, and has a longer-headed profile. Look for pale wing barring and a dirty-cream stripe down the neck. Inhabits both primary and secondary forests in lowland and foothill areas, where it can often be found in the lower levels of vegetation, pecking at ant and termite nests, fallen trunks, and hanging vegetation. Often in mixed flocks and family units. Gives a rattling trill that starts off quietly and quickly becomes, and stays, loud. Also gives shorter “wick!” and “kwee” calls.