speckled piculet

The speckled piculet (P. innominatus) is a small bird, measuring 9–14 cm (3.5–5.5 inches) long, belonging to the subfamily Picumninae, which is related to woodpeckers. It is one of about 29 species of piculets, most of which are found in Central and South America, with a few species in East Asia and western Africa.1

The speckled piculet is characterized by its mottled gray-green to brown upperparts and often a salt-and-pepper pattern on its head, while its underside is white with spots or bars. These birds are known to climb like nuthatches, searching for insects, and can perch sideways on branches. Despite their small bills, piculets are capable of digging nest holes in soft wood. The speckled piculet specifically is found in southeast Asia and is noted for drumming on dry bamboo.1