The ocellated piculet is a species of bird in subfamily Picumninae of the woodpecker family Picidae. It is found in Bolivia and Peru and possibly Argentina.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs on the east Andean slopes of Peru and Bolivia, with possible occurrence in far northwestern Argentina. It favors humid montane and foothill forests, especially edges, secondary growth, and riverine woodland. Bamboo thickets (including Chusquea) and vine-tangled borders are frequently used. The species typically keeps to lower and mid-levels of the forest and often forages in mixed flocks. Human-altered habitats with remnant forest patches may also be used if sufficient understory remains.
Altitude Range
500–2200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A tiny Andean woodpecker, the ocellated piculet specializes in foraging on slender branches and bamboo culms where larger woodpeckers seldom feed. Its name refers to the eye-like spots (ocelli) on its upperparts. It often joins mixed-species flocks, moving quietly and tapping only lightly compared to bigger woodpeckers.
Temperament
alert, unobtrusive, and active
Flight Pattern
short undulating flights between perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups, and frequently joins mixed-species flocks in the understory. Excavates tiny nest cavities in soft wood, dead twigs, or bamboo stems. Both sexes likely participate in cavity excavation and chick rearing.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives thin, high-pitched squeaks and rapid trills, often delivered in short series. Soft tapping or light drumming on small branches or bamboo can sometimes be heard at close range.
Plumage
Upperparts olive-brown to brown with prominent buffy to whitish ocellated spots; underparts buffy whitish with fine dark barring. Crown dark with small contrasting colored forecrown spots in the male; short tail and finely barred flanks. Overall gives a speckled, patterned look with delicate scaling on the back.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small arthropods, including ants, termites, beetle larvae, and small caterpillars. Gleans and probes bark, lichens, and bamboo nodes, occasionally scaling off tiny flakes. Forages methodically along slender branches and vine tangles where prey is abundant. Rarely, may take small spiders or other soft-bodied invertebrates.
Preferred Environment
Understory and mid-levels of humid montane forest, forest edges, and bamboo thickets. Often uses secondary growth and riparian strips with abundant small-diameter stems.
