Greyish piculet

The greyish piculet is a species of bird in subfamily Picumninae of the woodpecker family Picidae. It is endemic to Colombia.

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Distribution

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

Characteristics

Size9–10 cm

Wing Span15–17 cm

Male Weight0.009 kg

Female Weight0.008 kg

Life Expectancy6 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

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.

Gallery

Behaviour

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.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

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