Lafresnaye's piculet

Lafresnaye's piculet is a species of bird in subfamily Picumninae of the woodpecker family Picidae. It is found in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.

Distribution

Region

Western Amazon Basin

Typical Environment

Occurs in lowland and foothill forests of Brazil (western Amazon), Colombia (southeast), Ecuador (east), and Peru (north and east). Prefers edges of terra firme and várzea forest, river islands with early-successional growth, and secondary woodlands. Frequently uses bamboo thickets, vine tangles, and shrubby clearings near watercourses. Also visits semi-open areas, plantations, and gardens adjacent to forest.

Altitude Range

0–1200 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size9–10 cm

Wing Span14–18 cm

Male Weight0.008 kg

Female Weight0.0075 kg

Life Expectancy6 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

Lafresnaye's piculet is one of the tiniest woodpeckers, often joining mixed-species flocks in the Amazonian lowlands. Unlike larger woodpeckers, it forages on thin twigs and vine tangles, delicately gleaning insects rather than hammering hard wood. Males typically show a small red forecrown that females lack.

Gallery

Behaviour

Temperament

active and unobtrusive

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats with brief, low undulations

Social Behavior

Usually encountered singly, in pairs, or small family groups, and commonly joins mixed-species flocks in the understory. Nests are excavated in soft or decayed wood, often in thin trunks or branches. Pairs maintain small territories during breeding.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Vocalizations are soft, high-pitched trills and thin, rapid series of notes. Calls include delicate peeps and rattling bursts given during contact and when foraging.

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Identification

Leg Colorgreyish

Eye Colordark brown

Plumage

Tiny woodpecker with olive-brown upperparts and fine barring, buffy to whitish underparts with narrow dark barring, and a spotted crown. Tail short with dark central feathers and pale spots on the outer tail. Overall appearance is subtly barred and speckled, adapted for camouflage in twigs and vine tangles.

Feeding Habits

Diet

Feeds primarily on small arthropods such as ants, beetles, and their larvae, gleaned from bark, lichen, and dead twigs. Uses its tiny bill to pick, probe, and flake small bark pieces rather than heavy pecking. Occasionally inspects bamboo nodes and vine tangles for concealed prey.

Preferred Environment

Forages in the understory and midstory, especially in young second growth, river-edge scrub, and bamboo stands. Often works along thin branches and vine mats from near the ground up to mid-level perches.

Population

Total Known Populationunknown

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