Rufous Piculet
NameRufous Piculet
Common NameRufous Piculet
Scientific NameSasia abnormis
FamilyPicidae
Wingspan (cm)16
Length (cm)9.5
Weight (g)9.5
Plumage DetailsThe head, neck, and underparts are predominantly rufous-chestnut. The back and upperparts are also rufous, sometimes with an olive-green wash. Wings are dark grey. Males have a distinctive golden-yellow patch on the forecrown, often with bristly feathers, while females have a rufous crown. Both sexes feature a prominent red orbital ring and a pale yellow lower mandible.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalizations include a high-pitched, rapid 'tsit-tsit-tsit' or 'chip-chip-chip' call. It also produces soft drumming sounds on wood.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeThis species is found across Southeast Asia, including parts of Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, Indonesia (Sumatra, Borneo, Java), and the Philippines (Palawan).
Identifying FeaturesTiny size, Short, almost absent tail, Rufous-chestnut body plumage, Yellow crown patch (male), Red orbital ring, Pale yellow lower mandible, Dark grey wings
Description
The Rufous Piculet is a very small, almost tailless woodpecker known for its vibrant rufous-chestnut plumage and active foraging behavior. It typically moves quickly through the understory and mid-story of forests, gleaning insects from bark and decaying wood.
