The spotted piculet is a species of bird in subfamily Picumninae of the woodpecker family Picidae. It is endemic to Brazil.
Region
Northeast Brazil
Typical Environment
Endemic to eastern and northeastern Brazil, it inhabits dry and semi-humid woodlands, caatinga scrub, forest edges, and secondary growth. It favors areas with thin branches, vines, and bamboo clumps where it can glean for tiny arthropods. It also occurs in gallery forest patches within drier landscapes and sometimes in agroforestry mosaics and thickets near settlements. It is typically localized but may be fairly common where suitable scrub and edge habitats persist.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The spotted piculet is one of the tiniest woodpeckers, often foraging on the thinnest twigs where larger woodpeckers cannot go. Unlike most woodpeckers, it rarely uses its tail as a prop and tends to glean and peck delicately at small branches. It frequently joins mixed-species flocks, making it easier to spot in otherwise dense scrub. Its male has a small yellowish to orange-tipped forecrown that females lack.
Temperament
secretive but active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief undulations
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs and often joins mixed-species flocks of small insectivores. Both sexes excavate a tiny cavity in a dead twig or thin branch for nesting and share incubation and chick-rearing. Breeding is timed to local rainy seasons when insect prey is most abundant.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives very thin, high-pitched trills and squeaky notes, often delivered in short series. Also produces soft, dry tapping when foraging on small twigs.
