Ocellated Piculet
NameOcellated Piculet
Common NameOcellated Piculet
Scientific NamePicumnus dorbignyanus
FamilyPicidae
Wingspan (cm)18
Length (cm)9.5
Weight (g)8.5
Plumage DetailsThe head is black with numerous white spots, giving an ocellated appearance. The back and wings are brownish-olive. The underparts are white with heavy black barring, particularly on the breast and flanks. The tail is short and black with white outer rectrices.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalizations include a high-pitched, thin 'tseet' or 'tsip' call, often repeated. It also produces soft drumming sounds, typical of piculets.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, mountain
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in the Andes of South America, specifically from southern Peru through Bolivia to northwestern Argentina.
Identifying Featuresvery small size, heavily spotted black and white head, barred underparts, short tail, woodpecker-like bill
Description
This tiny woodpecker is characterized by its heavily spotted black and white head and barred underparts. It actively forages on small branches and twigs, often in mixed-species flocks, searching for insects. Despite being a woodpecker, it rarely drums loudly.
