[5] A medium-sized and colorful bird, the Cuban green woodpecker is similar to a sapsucker in general shape and size.

Juveniles will show more barring and streaking on their breasts and lack the depth of color adults have in their plumage.

According to research done in 2006, "X. percussus is the sister taxon to the Melanerpes woodpeckers, which appear to group into a single distinct clade.

The species can be divided into the following subspecies, with only two being formerly recognized:[5] The Cuban green woodpecker is only found in Cuba, but is extremely common on the island.

[5][7][13] The Cuban green woodpecker's is primarily an insectivore, focusing on large insects, but will also consume fruits and small frogs occasionally.

[15][5] While perching itself on the plant or on a nearby branch to reach the flowers, it will insert its bill into the floral tube to drink the nectar for a few seconds, by doing so its bill will come into contact with anthers and stigma inside the floral tube, making the bird then act as a pollinator.

Usually, woodpeckers perform flutter-aerial-display including a gliding flight with wings held well above the back, accompanied by calls.

[4] Cuban green woodpeckers will nest in the cavities of tree, alive or dead, often 4–5 metres above the ground.