The ochre-collared piculet is a species of bird in subfamily Picumninae of the woodpecker family Picidae. It is found in Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay.
Region
Atlantic Forest of Brazil, Paraguay, and northeastern Argentina
Typical Environment
Occurs in the Atlantic Forest biome from southeastern and southern Brazil into eastern Paraguay and Misiones Province, Argentina. It uses evergreen and semi-deciduous forest, riverine woodland, secondary growth, and bamboo thickets. The species is common along edges, clearings, and in forest interiors with plenty of slender branches. It tolerates some habitat disturbance and is frequently seen in small parks or rural woodlots near forest.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The ochre-collared piculet is one of the tiniest woodpeckers, often foraging on the thinnest twigs and bamboo stems. Males typically show tiny reddish speckles on the forecrown, while females lack red. It favors edge and secondary forest in the Atlantic Forest region and often joins mixed-species flocks. Despite being a woodpecker, it taps delicately rather than delivering loud drums.
Female
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short undulating flight with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or family groups and frequently joins mixed-species flocks in the midstory. Nests in small cavities excavated in thin dead branches or bamboo stems. Both sexes share incubation and chick rearing.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives thin, high-pitched tsip notes and rapid, tinkling trills. Also produces soft, rapid tapping on small branches rather than loud drumming.
Plumage
Tiny, brownish piculet with finely barred upperparts and whitish underparts densely barred or streaked dark. Shows a distinctive ochraceous collar on the sides of the neck and upper breast. Crown is dark with small pale spots; male has additional reddish speckling on the forecrown.
Diet
Feeds mainly on tiny arthropods such as ants, beetles and their larvae, and other small insects gleaned from bark and twigs. It probes and pecks delicately on slender branches, vines, and bamboo culms. Occasionally takes small spiders and other invertebrates.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the lower to mid-levels of forest edges, secondary growth, and bamboo patches. Often works thin dead branchlets where it can probe crevices and flake tiny bits of bark.
