This species gets its name from the yellow tuft of nasal bristles at the base of the bill. The back and wings are barred black and white. The rump is unmarked white, and the tail is black, except for some white barring on the outermost tail feathers. These two features separate this species from the similar Gila and Red-bellied Woodpeckers. The head and underparts are pale gray. The nape is yellow or orange-yellow. Males have a red patch on the crown, lacking on females and juveniles.

Length: 22 (cm) Wingspan: 41 (cm)

Voice:

Call is a loud rattling chuurrrr, all on one pitch. Also a series of loud clucking check, check.

Habitat:

Open woodlands, savannah, riparian woods, brush land.

Behavior:

Unlike most woodpeckers, this species rarely drills or excavates for food items.

Feeding:

Gleans and probes for insects. Consumes fruit, nuts, and corn.