The rusty-necked piculet is a species of bird in subfamily Picumninae of the woodpecker family Picidae. It is found along the Brazilian-Bolivian border.
Region
Southwestern Amazon Basin (Brazil–Bolivia border)
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland riparian forests, gallery woodlands, and seasonally flooded várzea along the Guaporé/Itenez River and nearby tributaries. It favors bamboo thickets, vine tangles, and the outer foliage of small trees near waterways. The species is patchy and localized, often tied to intact river-edge forest. It can use secondary growth if sufficient dead twigs and bamboo are present for foraging and nesting.
Altitude Range
50–300 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A tiny woodpecker of the subfamily Picumninae, the rusty-necked piculet is confined to riparian and seasonally flooded forests along the Brazil–Bolivia border, especially around the Guaporé/Itenez River. It often forages quietly in bamboo and vine tangles, where its rust-colored neck helps with camouflage. Males typically show a small reddish or orange forecrown patch, a useful field mark at close range. Habitat loss along river margins is its main threat.
Temperament
inconspicuous and active
Flight Pattern
short undulating flights between perches
Social Behavior
Usually found singly, in pairs, or small family groups, and often joins mixed-species flocks in the midstory. It forages by gleaning and delicate tapping on thin branches, dead twigs, and bamboo. Nests are excavated in soft dead wood or bamboo stems; both sexes likely share incubation and chick-rearing duties.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives thin, high-pitched seeps and a rapid, tinkling trill delivered in short series. Soft tapping may be heard at close range while foraging. Vocalizations are unobtrusive and easily missed over river noise.
