Picumnus limae E.Snethlage, 1924

Taxonomy and Size

The ochraceous piculet (Picumnus limae E.Snethlage, 1924) is about 10 cm (3.9 in) long and weighs 8 to 12 g (0.28 to 0.42 oz).

Adult Male Head Plumage

Adult males have a black cap with red tips on the forehead feathers and small white spots on the rest of the cap.

Adult Female Head Plumage

Adult females are identical to males, except they have no red on the forehead.

Upperparts Coloration

The upperparts of this species vary from grayish to brownish, with a whitish nape.

Underparts Coloration

Their underparts range from whitish yellow to rusty brown, and sometimes have paler streaks.

Coloration Cline

The coloration of both upperparts and underparts forms a cline: the lightest individuals are found in the north, and the darkest in the south.

Tail Structure

Their tail is blackish; the innermost pair of tail feathers have mostly white inner webs, and the outer two pairs have a white patch near the tip.

Bare Part Coloration

Their iris is brown, the bill is gray with a blackish tip, and the legs are gray.

Juvenile Plumage

Juveniles are similar to adults, but have a brown crown with white streaks on the sides.

Distribution Range

The ochraceous piculet is found in northeastern Brazil, ranging from the state of Ceará south to Sergipe and inland into Piauí.

Ecoregion Habitat

It lives in a variety of landscapes within the Caatinga and Atlantic Forest ecoregions, from relatively dry open forests in the north to dense humid forests in the south.

Habitat Tolerance

It occurs in both primary forest and human-modified areas such as urban parks.