[2] The rufous-headed woodpecker has two subspecies, the nominate C. s. spectabilis (Sclater, PL & Salvin, 1880) and C. s. exsul (Bond & Meyer de Schauensee, 1941).

Their hindneck and upper back are creamy buff to pale cinnamon-yellow with very wide black bars.

Juveniles resemble adults but have a darker bill, more blackish on the front of the head, and more red on the crown.

[4] The nominate subspecies of rufous-headed woodpecker is found in eastern Ecuador and northeastern Peru.

Subspecies C. s. exsul is found in southeastern Peru, in Brazil's Acre state, and in northern Bolivia's Beni and Cochabamba departments.

In Peru and Brazil it is often associated with Chusquea and Guadua bamboo, while in Ecuador if favors landscapes with Cecropia trees, and an understorey of Gynerium cane with much Heliconia.

[4] The rufous-headed woodpecker is believed to feed mainly on bamboo ants, though its diet probably includes other insects as well.

[4] The rufous-headed woodpecker's breeding season in Peru includes at least from June to August but is unknown elsewhere.

"In view of its apparently strict habitat requirements and its low density and general scarcity, however, it may perhaps merit the conservation status of Near Threatened.