The Sulawesi pygmy woodpecker, also known as the Sulawesi woodpecker, is a species of bird in the family Picidae. It is endemic to Sulawesi in Indonesia. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest and subtropical or tropical moist mountains. Some taxonomic authorities continue to place this species in the genus Dendrocopos or Picoides.
Region
Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Endemic to the island of Sulawesi (Indonesia) and some adjacent satellite islands. It occupies tropical moist lowland forest, hill forest, and lower montane forest, as well as forest edges and secondary growth. The species is also seen in agroforestry mosaics, coconut groves, and gardens with mature trees. It uses deadwood and vine tangles for foraging and nesting, and can persist in moderately disturbed habitats.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Sulawesi pygmy woodpecker is one of the smallest woodpeckers in Indonesia, confined to Sulawesi and nearby islets. It forages quietly on small branches and vines, often joining mixed-species flocks. Some authorities have placed it in Dendrocopos or Picoides, but it is now commonly treated in the genus Yungipicus. It tolerates secondary forests and edges, which likely helps its conservation status.
Temperament
active and somewhat shy
Flight Pattern
short, bounding flight with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, frequently joining mixed-species flocks in the canopy and midstory. Nests are excavated by both sexes in small dead limbs or soft wood. Both parents incubate and feed the young, with a small clutch typical of pygmy woodpeckers.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Calls are high-pitched, thin squeeks and short rattling trills. Drumming is light and brief, often a soft staccato on thin branches.
Plumage
Fine black-and-white barring on the back and wings with whitish to buff underparts streaked dark brown. Face shows a pale supercilium and dark eye-stripe, with a clean white throat. Tail is dark with pale spotting; overall appearance is small and compact with a short, stiff tail.
Diet
Primarily feeds on small arthropods such as ants, beetles, larvae, and spiders gleaned from bark, twigs, and vines. It probes and pecks delicately rather than delivering heavy blows, reflecting its small size. Occasional small fruits or nectar may be taken opportunistically.
Preferred Environment
Forages on the outer canopy and midstory, especially on slender branches, dead twigs, and vine tangles. Often works along forest edges and secondary growth where small-diameter substrates are abundant.
