This woodpecker is typically seen alone but can occasionally be observed in pairs or small family groups. It stays close to lower vegetation layers, flying low and avoiding open areas. Its presence is usually noticed through its distinctive loud call, consisting of two to four repeated phrases. Its diet consists mostly of ants and termites found on trees, though it also eats fruits and berries. During the breeding period, both parents feed the young with insects and larvae, carefully observing the surroundings before entering the nest.

The Pale-crested Woodpecker inhabits seasonally flooded grasslands with sparse vegetation, including scattered trees and palms, as well as gallery forests and woodland patches in the Pantanal region.

We observed nests in Poconé, Mato Grosso (3 nests).

Breeding takes place from June to October in Poconé, Mato Grosso.

This species nests in cavities excavated in tree trunks or arboreal termite mounds. In Poconé, we found nests in palm trees at 4 and 10 meters above ground and in a dead tree at 6 meters high. The nest entrance measured about 7 by 15 cm, with a tunnel around 50 cm deep and an inner chamber 20 to 25 cm in diameter.