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

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

Lafresnaye's vanga

Lafresnaye's vanga is a species of bird in the vanga family Vangidae. The species is monotypic and one of three species in the genus Xenopirostris. It is endemic to the south and south west of Madagascar. It inhabits sub-arid thorn scrub, in the Madagascar spiny forests ecoregion, particularly areas with large amounts of dead wood, from sea level to 100 m (330 ft). The species has a small range is not common within that range. It was uplisted from Least Concern to Near Threatened in 2022 as it is experiencing moderately rapid population decline owing to habitat degradation and loss within its range.

Lānaʻi hookbill

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Lance-tailed manakin

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