[1] Like other woodpeckers, this species has a straight pointed bill, a stiff tail to provide support against tree trunks, and zygodactyl or “yoked" feet, with two toes pointing forward, and two backward.

The adult male eastern grey woodpecker has a red crown and nape, and females have a plain grey head, lacking the red crown.

The upper parts of the body are yellowish-green, the rump is red, and the wings and tail are dark brown.

The beak is dark grey or black, the legs are greenish-grey and the eyes red to brown.

[3] Like other woodpeckers, this species is an insectivore, and forages on trees and on the ground for moths, centipedes, larvae and pupae.