The white-barred piculet is a species of bird in the woodpecker family Picidae. It is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
Region
Eastern and central South America
Typical Environment
Occurs widely in Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Bolivia, northeastern Argentina, and into the Guianas. It favors forest edges, gallery forests, riverine woodlands, and second growth, as well as caatinga and cerrado mosaics with scattered trees. The species adapts well to disturbed habitats, including orchards, plantations, and urban parks with mature shrubs and small trees. It typically keeps to lower and mid-level strata, especially in tangles, thin branches, and bamboo stands.
Altitude Range
0–1500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Among the smallest woodpeckers, the white-barred piculet often forages on the thinnest twigs and vine tangles rather than on large trunks. Males have a tiny red-spotted forehead patch that females lack. It frequently joins mixed-species flocks in secondary growth and edge habitats and excavates small nest cavities in soft, decayed wood or bamboo.
Picumnus cirratus (male) in the Botanical Garden of Asunción, Paraguay
Picumnus cirratus (female) in Asunción, Paraguay
Temperament
quiet and unobtrusive, active
Flight Pattern
short, undulating flights between perches
Social Behavior
Usually found singly, in pairs, or small family groups, and often joins mixed-species foraging flocks. Both sexes excavate a small cavity in soft wood or bamboo and share incubation and chick-rearing duties. Territorial displays include soft tapping and subtle head movements rather than loud drumming.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A high, thin series of rapid notes and trills, often delivered from a low perch. Calls are insect-like, with soft tseet and tink notes that can be easily overlooked in background noise.
Plumage
Fine white barring across the underparts with brown to olive-brown upperparts lightly mottled; crown spotted, with males showing tiny red spots on the forehead.
Diet
Primarily small arthropods such as ants, termites, beetles, and their larvae gleaned from bark, lichen, and thin twigs. It probes and pecks delicately rather than hammering, often inspecting vine tangles and bamboo stems. Occasionally takes tiny fruits or seeds, but insects dominate the diet.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the lower to mid-canopy on slender branches, vine clusters, and bamboo thickets. Common at forest edges, secondary growth, riparian corridors, and in semi-open wooded areas including gardens and plantations.
