The Orinoco piculet is a species of bird in subfamily Picumninae of the woodpecker family Picidae. It is found in Brazil, Colombia, and possibly Venezuela.
Region
Northern South America
Typical Environment
Occurs in the Orinoco basin of eastern Colombia and adjacent Venezuela, extending to the upper Rio Negro region of northwestern Brazil. It favors riverine woodlands, gallery forest, and seasonally flooded igapó and várzea habitats. Often uses secondary growth, forest edges, and vine tangles near watercourses. Most activity is in the understory to midstory where thin branches and lianas are abundant.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Orinoco piculet is a tiny woodpecker that specializes in gleaning ants and other small insects from thin twigs and vine tangles. It frequents river-edge woodlands and seasonally flooded forests across the Orinoco–Rio Negro region. Males typically show a small reddish-spotted forecrown, a classic piculet hallmark. Like other piculets, it taps lightly rather than drumming loudly.
Temperament
secretive and active
Flight Pattern
short undulating flights with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or as quiet followers within mixed-species flocks. Pairs maintain small foraging areas along river edges and in secondary growth. Nests are excavated in soft or decayed wood, typically in thin stems or small trunks.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are soft, high-pitched squeaks and thin trills. Calls often come in rapid, slightly descending series. Light tapping may be heard at close range rather than loud drumming.
