White-barred Piculet
NameWhite-barred Piculet
Common NameWhite-barred Piculet
Scientific NamePicumnus cirratus
FamilyPicidae
Wingspan (cm)16.5
Length (cm)9.5
Weight (g)10
Plumage DetailsMales have an orange-red forecrown transitioning to black with white spots on the rest of the crown and nape; females have a black crown with white spots throughout. The face is whitish with fine dark barring. Upperparts are brownish-grey with faint barring, while the underparts are whitish, heavily barred with dark brown or black. The short tail is blackish with prominent white outer tail feathers.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include high-pitched, thin, rapid trills or a series of short, sharp 'tsee-tsee-tsee' or 'wit-wit-wit-wit' notes.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, woodland, urban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in South America, ranging from eastern Bolivia, Paraguay, southern Brazil, and northern Argentina, extending north into parts of the Guianas and Venezuela.
Identifying FeaturesVery small size, Short, stiff tail, Spotted black and white crown (male with red/orange forecrown), Heavily barred underparts, White outer tail feathers
Description
This tiny woodpecker is characterized by its compact body and very short tail. It forages actively on small branches and twigs, often in mixed-species flocks, searching for insects. Its distinctive plumage includes a spotted crown and barred underparts.
