Scaled Piculet
NameScaled Piculet
Common NameScaled Piculet
Scientific NamePicumnus squamulatus
FamilyPicidae
Wingspan (cm)16
Length (cm)8.5
Weight (g)9
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are olive-brown with dark scaling, while the underparts are whitish with dark scaling, creating a prominent scaly pattern. The crown is black with numerous small white spots. Males may exhibit a few reddish or yellowish spots on the forehead.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include soft, high-pitched trills and short, sharp 'tsip' notes. Unlike larger woodpeckers, it does not typically drum loudly but may tap softly on branches.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in northern South America, specifically in Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, and northern Peru, inhabiting tropical and subtropical moist lowland and montane forests.
Identifying FeaturesVery small size (piculet), Black crown with prominent white spots, Scaled appearance on body plumage, Short tail, Forages on small branches and twigs
Description
The Scaled Piculet is a very small, compact woodpecker relative known for its distinctive scaled plumage. It typically forages on small branches and twigs, often in mixed-species flocks, searching for insects.
