These small woodpeckers are one of the endemic species of woodpeckers than can be found throughout the Philippines except in Palawan. They can be found in a variety of habitats ranging from lowland to high-elevation forests, gardens, and parks. Males of this species sport a red patch on the back of their head. Similar to woodpeckers, they rapidly peck at wood to reach and feed on insects such as ants. The IUCN lists them as least concern with their population trend currently being stable.