It is a widespread and frequently common resident breeder in much of west and central tropical Africa.

The underparts are whitish or yellowish with fine dark spots on breast, belly and flanks.

[2] The adult male fine-spotted woodpecker has a red crown and moustachial stripes.

Its habitat is typically wooded savannah, scrub and grassland with scattered Acacia and other trees.

[2] The nest is built in a tree hole, often in an oil palm, and the clutch consists of two or three white eggs.