The Checkered Woodpecker is found from north-east Brazil to central Argentina and is found in a variety of open woodland habitats including this cerrado habitat in Tocantins where the first two photos were taken. See the distribution map at xeno-canto.

They are quite small woodpeckers at about 14 cms (5½") and are noted for foraging on twigs and branches rather than on main trunks. They eat both insects and seeds.