Forages among branches of trees, often low down, on fallen trees and fence-posts etc. Drums in intermittent bursts. Has hybridised with Syrian Woodpecker.
An explosive ptik, also a weak chir-rir-rirrh-rirrh and a wicka toi-whit toi-whit toi-whit.
Riverine woodland, thorn scrub, oases and gardens.