Picumnus temminckii
The Ochre-collared Piculet (Picumnus temminckii) is a diminutive and distinctive member of the woodpecker family, Picidae, measuring a mere 9-10 cm (3.5-4 in) in length and weighing around 10-15 grams. Its overall plumage is olive-brown on the upperparts, contrasting with a whitish, streaked underside. The species' most defining field mark, and the source of its common name, is the prominent yellowish-orange or ochre collar adorning its hindneck and sides. Males further distinguish themselves...
This species inhabits lowland to submontane evergreen forests, secondary growth, forest edges, and even plantations, typically found from sea level up to 1,500 meters.
The diet consists almost exclusively of small insects, particularly ants, termites, and their larvae, which it gleans and probes from bark crevices and mosses.
The Ochre-collared Piculet is diurnal, spending its days methodically foraging and typically roosting in tree cavities at night. Its foraging strategy is distinct from most woodpeckers; it primarily gleans and probes for insects on small branches, twigs, and vines, often hanging acrobatically or ...
The Ochre-collared Piculet is a resident species found across specific regions of Southeast Asia, with its primary distribution encompassing the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Java, and Borneo. It is present throughout Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei. While its range extends into parts of Singapore, i...
Least Concern
- The Ochre-collared Piculet is one of the smallest members of the woodpecker family worldwide, often no larger than a human thumb. - Unlike most woodpeckers, it rarely hammers large tree trunks; its specialized foraging focuses on probing and gleaning insects from thin branches, twigs, and vines...