Várzea Piculet
NameVárzea Piculet
Common NameVárzea Piculet
Scientific NamePicumnus varzeae
FamilyPicidae
Wingspan (cm)17
Length (cm)8.5
Weight (g)9
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are dark brown with fine white barring. Underparts are whitish with heavy dark brown barring, giving a scaled appearance. Males have a red crown with small black spots, while females have a black crown with white spots. The bill is short, pointed, and dark, and the eyes are dark.
Vocalization / CallThe call is typically a high-pitched, thin 'tseep' or 'tsit' note, often repeated. It also produces soft drumming sounds on branches.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to a relatively small area of the western Amazon basin in Brazil, specifically found in the várzea forests along the Solimões River and its tributaries.
Identifying Featuressmall size, dark brown plumage with white barring, red crown (male), black crown with white spots (female), short, pointed bill, found in várzea forests
Description
This small woodpecker has a dark, barred body and a distinctive red crown in males. It forages actively on tree trunks and branches in its specialized várzea forest habitat, often gleaning insects from bark. Its small size and cryptic plumage help it blend into its arboreal environment.
