Ochre-collared Piculet

Overview

The ochre-collared piculet (Picumnus temminckii) is a small bird species belonging to the subfamily Picumninae of the woodpecker family. It is classified as a species of Least Concern by the IUCN Red List and is considered at least locally common within its range.

Identification

• Measures 9 to 10 cm in length and weighs between 10 and 12.5 g.
• Males possess a black cap with red tips on the forehead feathers, while females are identical but lack the red forehead.
• Features a cinnamon-buff hindneck collar and white stripe behind the eye, with brown upperparts and whitish underparts.
• Vocalisations include a high-pitched whistle described as 'tsirrrr, si-si-si...' and a dry, toneless trill 'trrrrrruh'.

Habitat

Found in southeastern Brazil, eastern Paraguay, and northeastern Argentina, this species mostly inhabits lowland rainforest with bamboos, vines, and tangled growth. It also utilises secondary growth, thickets, tall scrub, and parks or gardens, ranging in elevation from sea level to 800 m.

Diet

This piculet forages on thin branches, usually low in the forest. Its diet is known to include ants and insect larvae, although it has not been extensively studied.

Did you know?

Despite its specific name, the species frequently hybridises with the white-barred piculet and occasionally with the white-wedged piculet.