The greyish piculet is a species of bird in subfamily Picumninae of the woodpecker family Picidae. It is endemic to Colombia.
Region
Colombian Magdalena Valley and adjacent foothills
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland and foothill habitats including edges of humid forest, secondary growth, riparian thickets, and scrubby woodland. It readily uses disturbed habitats such as coffee or cacao plantations and bamboo stands. Typically forages from the understory to midstory, often on slender branches and vine tangles. Prefers semi-open mosaics rather than continuous dense forest.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This tiny woodpecker is a piculet, meaning it has the chisel bill and climbing habits of woodpeckers but in a very small package. It forages on thin twigs, vine tangles, and bamboo where larger woodpeckers cannot go. Both sexes excavate a small nesting cavity in soft wood or bamboo. Males can be told by a small reddish forecrown patch.
Temperament
inconspicuous but active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief undulations
Social Behavior
Usually found singly, in pairs, or small family groups and often associates with mixed-species flocks. Both sexes excavate a tiny cavity in soft wood or bamboo and share nesting duties. Territorial calls are given from exposed perches rather than prolonged drumming.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives thin, high-pitched squeaks and brief trills, often a rapid, tinkling series. Calls are soft and easily overlooked, carrying only a short distance. Drumming is weak or rare for a woodpecker, more like light tapping.
Plumage
Overall greyish to brownish with fine pale barring on the back and flanks; underparts grey with subtle streaking or barring. Crown dark with small pale spots; male shows a small reddish or orange forecrown patch. Throat whitish to pale grey; cheeks lightly streaked.
Diet
Primarily small arthropods such as ants, termites, beetle larvae, and other insects gleaned from bark, twigs, and bamboo. Probes crevices and scales bark with delicate taps rather than heavy chiseling. Occasionally takes small spiders and other soft-bodied prey.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in forest edge, second growth, hedgerows, vine tangles, and bamboo thickets, including shaded agricultural mosaics. Often forages on the outermost, slender branches and midstory tangles where larger woodpeckers seldom go.
