Piculets

Piculets are small woodpeckers in the family Picidae, belonging to the subfamily Picumninae. They are among the smallest members of the woodpecker group, typically measuring 9 to 12 centimeters in length. Plumage varies by species but is often dull and cryptic, with greenish, olive, brown, or gray tones and contrasting markings. Males frequently show a crown patch or facial stripe that is absent or different in females.

Piculets inhabit a range of forested environments, including tropical and subtropical forests, woodlands, and sometimes shaded plantations. Their distribution spans Africa, Asia, and the Americas, with most species preferring areas with plenty of dead or decaying wood for foraging and cavity nesting. They tend to be less conspicuous and less oscilating in behavior than larger woodpeckers, often moving by hopping along branches or tree trunks and feeding by gleaning insects from bark and crevices. Some species may also feed on sap or insect larvae found under bark.

In terms of reproduction, piculets excavate nesting cavities in dead or rotten trees, often using preexisting holes or weakly decayed wood. Both parents typically participate in incubation and feeding of the young, and clutch sizes are generally small. Vocalizations are usually high-pitched calls or soft contact notes, and drumming is less frequent and less extended than in larger woodpeckers.

Taxonomically, piculets comprise several genera, including Picumnus in the Neotropics and Sasia in parts of Asia, with classification varying among authorities. Many species face habitat-related threats, though conservation status ranges from secure to locally endangered depending on region and habitat loss.