An adult male Black-headed Woodpecker. Males have a black head, whitish eyes, and a reddish-brown spot on the forecrown.

The lower back is reddish-brown and its wings have black primaries with fine grey spots, whilst its slightly streaked belly and vent, as well as its legs and feet, are overall grey.

It has a yellow throat and upper-breast, bright greenish-olive upperparts, and a blackish tail.