Ocellated Piculet

Overview

The ocellated piculet (Picumnus dorbignyanus) is a small species of bird in the woodpecker family Picidae, specifically within the subfamily Picumninae. It is found in parts of South America, including Bolivia, Peru, and possibly Argentina.

Identification

• Length of 9 to 10 cm and a weight of 7 to 11 g.
• Male nominate subspecies have a black cap with red tips on the forehead feathers and small white spots, while females lack the red on the forehead.
• White breast feathers with narrow black shafts and edges, and a white stripe behind the eye.
• Song described as a high-pitched, rapid, falling trill: "tree'e'e'e'e'e'e".

Habitat

Found in the interior and edges of humid montane forest and mature secondary forest, favouring bushy undergrowth with vines, creepers, and epiphytes. It ranges from 800 to 2,400 m in Peru and 900 to 3,300 m in Bolivia.

Diet

Forages along thin branches and vines, usually singly or in pairs as part of a mixed-species foraging flock. Its diet includes insects, though it has not been extensively studied.

Did you know?

The species' scientific name is often misspelled as P. dorbygnianus instead of the correct P. dorbignyanus, named in honour of the French naturalist Alcide d'Orbigny.