The species was first described as Melanerpes candidus in 1796 by the French naturalist Bernhard Christian Otto, the type locality being Cayenne.

Its range extends from Suriname and French Guiana, through much of Brazil to southeastern Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay and northern Argentina.

Its habitat is forest edges, open dry woodland, wooded savannah, scrubland with scattered trees, plantations, orchards, parkland and mangroves.

It is opportunistic and adaptable, being seen in city suburbs, and expanding its range into areas of felled timber.

It forages in noisy family groups[6] and also raids wild bee and wasp nests, feeding on the adult insects, larvae and honey.