How do piculets differ from true woodpeckers?

Piculets and true woodpeckers are both members of the family Picidae, but they belong to distinct subfamilies and exhibit notable physical and behavioral differences:

• Tail Structure: A primary distinction is that true woodpeckers (subfamily Picinae) possess stiffened tails that support them as they climb, whereas piculets (subfamily Picumninae) have soft, unspecialized tails.1
• Perching and Movement: Because of their tail structure, true woodpeckers typically perch lengthwise on tree trunks or branches. In contrast, piculets are able to perch crosswise on branches like passerine birds.21
• Size: Piculets are significantly smaller than most true woodpeckers, generally measuring only 9–14 cm (3.5–5.5 inches) in length.2
• Foraging Habits: While both groups forage for insects, piculets typically tap and probe on small branchlets and vines. True woodpeckers utilize more diverse foraging modes, including gleaning from bark surfaces and, in some specialized species, chiseling deep into wood.13
• Distribution: Most piculets are restricted to the forests and dry woodlands of the New World tropics, with only a few species found in Africa and Asia. True woodpeckers have a nearly worldwide distribution.213