It ranges from India, Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka eastwards to Thailand, Burma, Cambodia, Laos, Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam.

Much of the scientific knowledge gathered about this species is sourced from formal studies in various parts of India.

This is a jungle species which nests in a tree hole, laying two to four white eggs.

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 lesser yellownape has a green head with a white throat.