The grey-capped pygmy woodpecker is an Asian bird species of the woodpecker family (Picidae). It has a subspecies, Yungipicus canicapillus doerriesi, located primarily in Manchuria, eastern Siberia, and Korea. Some taxonomic authorities continue to place this species in the genus Dendrocopos or Picoides.
Region
South and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs from the Himalayan foothills and northeastern India through Bangladesh and Myanmar into Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, and southern China, with populations extending to Korea and parts of the Russian Far East via subspecies. It favors open woodlands, forest edges, secondary growth, bamboo stands, orchards, parks, and gardens. It often uses thin trunks and deadwood for foraging and nesting. Adaptable to human-modified landscapes where trees and groves persist.
Altitude Range
0–2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
A tiny woodpecker of Asia, the grey-capped pygmy woodpecker often forages on slim branches, bamboo, and the outer canopy where larger woodpeckers rarely operate. Males typically show a small red patch on the rear crown, while both sexes have the namesake grey cap. It is currently placed in the genus Yungipicus, though some authorities still list it under Dendrocopos or Picoides. Subspecies include Y. c. doerriesi from Manchuria, eastern Siberia, and Korea.
Female at Jayanti in the Buxa Tiger Reserve
Temperament
active and somewhat shy
Flight Pattern
undulating flight with short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or as part of mixed-species flocks. Nests in cavities it excavates in soft or dead wood; both sexes participate in excavation and incubation. Typical clutches are laid in the dry season where seasons are pronounced.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives thin, high-pitched “tsit” notes and rapid, squeaky trills. Drumming is light and brief, often a soft rattle compared to larger woodpeckers.
Plumage
Upperparts are ladder-barred black and white; underparts pale with fine brownish streaking. Head shows a grey crown with bold black-and-white facial striping. The bill is short and chisel-tipped, suited to pecking at thin branches and soft wood.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small insects such as ants, termites, beetles, and their larvae, gleaned from bark and twigs. It pecks and probes rather than excavating deeply, reflecting its use of slender branches. Will occasionally take small spiders and other arthropods and may sample berries or sap when available.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, secondary growth, bamboo, orchards, and urban parks where small trees and dead limbs are present. Often works the outer canopy and fine branches that larger woodpeckers avoid.
