Yungipicus maculatus
The Philippine Pygmy Woodpecker, *Yungipicus maculatus*, is a diminutive yet energetic member of the Picidae family, endemic to the Philippine archipelago. Measuring a mere 12-13 cm (4.7-5.1 inches) in length and weighing just 15-20 grams, it is one of the smallest woodpeckers in its range. Its plumage is characterized by brownish-grey upperparts heavily barred with white, contrasting with clean white underparts that often show fine dark streaking on the flanks. A key field mark for males is ...
Primarily found in a variety of wooded habitats, including primary and secondary forests, forest edge, plantations, coconut groves, and even urban parks and gardens. It typically occurs from sea level up to 1,500 meters (4,900 feet) in elevation.
Feeds primarily on small insects and their larvae, including beetles, ants, termites, and caterpillars, which it gleans and probes from tree bark and small branches.
The Philippine Pygmy Woodpecker is a diurnal and highly active species, spending its day almost continuously foraging for insects. It employs a characteristic "shuffling" movement along branches, gleaning invertebrates from bark crevices and probing into small holes rather than heavy drilling. Wh...
The Philippine Pygmy Woodpecker is endemic to the Philippines, where it is widely distributed across most major islands and many smaller ones. Its range extends throughout the archipelago, including Luzon, Mindanao, Mindoro, Palawan, Panay, Negros, Samar, Leyte, and Bohol, among others. Due to th...
Least Concern
- It's one of the smallest woodpeckers in the world, often weighing less than 20 grams. - Despite its size, it's a powerful drummer, using its bill to create rapid, high-pitched rolls that announce its presence. - Unlike larger woodpeckers, it spends more time gleaning insects from bark surfaces ...