Orinoco Piculet
NameOrinoco Piculet
Common NameOrinoco Piculet
Scientific NamePicumnus pumilus
FamilyPicidae
Wingspan (cm)15
Length (cm)8.5
Weight (g)8.5
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are dull brown. The underparts are whitish with heavy blackish barring, particularly on the breast and flanks. The crown is blackish with small yellow spots in males, while females and juveniles have white spots. Its feet are a distinctive bluish-grey.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include high-pitched, thin, trilling or whistling notes, often described as a soft 'tseep' or 'tsit' repeated.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in northern South America, specifically within the Orinoco River basin in eastern Colombia and western Venezuela.
Identifying FeaturesExtremely small size, Short, stiff tail, Dark crown with yellow (male) or white (female/juvenile) spots, Heavily barred underparts, Dull brown upperparts, Bluish-grey feet
Description
The Orinoco Piculet is a tiny, compact woodpecker-like bird with a very short tail. It forages actively on tree trunks and branches, often in mixed-species flocks, searching for insects.
