African Piculet
NameAfrican Piculet
Common NameAfrican Piculet
Scientific NameSasia africana
FamilyPicidae
Wingspan (cm)16.5
Length (cm)8.5
Weight (g)10.5
Plumage DetailsThe African Piculet has a grey head and underparts, contrasting with an olive-green back and wings. A distinctive feature is the prominent red orbital ring around its eye, and it possesses reddish-orange legs and feet. Its tail is notably short.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalizations are typically high-pitched, thin, and often repeated, described as a 'tsee-tsee-tsee' or 'tsip-tsip-tsip' sound. It also produces soft drumming sounds.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeThe African Piculet is found across a broad range in west and central Africa, extending from Sierra Leone eastward through countries like Cameroon, Gabon, and Congo, and south to Angola.
Identifying FeaturesVery small size, Extremely short tail, Grey head and underparts, Olive-green back and wings, Prominent red orbital ring, Reddish legs and feet
Description
A very small, short-tailed woodpecker, the African Piculet is known for its active foraging in the understory of tropical forests. It uses its strong bill to probe for insects in bark and decaying wood, often moving with quick, jerky movements.
