Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species has a very large range, and hence does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the range size criterion (extent of occurrence <20,000 km² combined with a declining or fluctuating range size, habitat extent/quality, or population size and a small number of locations or severe fragmentation). Despite the fact that the population trend appears to be decreasing, the decline is not believed to be sufficiently rapid to approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population trend criterion (>30% decline over ten years or three generations). The population size has not been quantified, but it is not believed to approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population size criterion (<10,000 mature individuals with a continuing decline estimated to be >10% in ten years or three generations, or with a specified population structure). For these reasons the species is evaluated as Least Concern.
Population justification
The global population size has not been quantified, but this species is described as 'fairly common' (Stotz et al. 1996).
Trend justification
The population trend has not been investigated, but the only threat known to the species is the loss and degradation of its habitat. On this basis, a slow decline is suspected.
Tree cover within the range is lost at a rate of c.5% over ten years (Global Forest Watch 2023, using Hansen et al. [2013] data and methods disclosed therein). The species however tolerates different habitat types, including degraded, edge and shrubby areas (Aleixo et al. 2023); consequently, the current rate of tree cover loss may not be causing an equivalent rate of population decline. Tentatively, declines are here placed in the band 1-5% over ten years.
The species occurs in a disjunct range in northern and central Venezuela, as well as in adjacent extreme eastern Colombia, in Guyana and in Roraima, Brazil (Winkler et al. 2020, Hilty 2021, Aleixo et al. 2023, eBird 2023). Records from near Belém in Pará, Brazil, are doubtful as they may not refer to this species, but instead to hybridisation events between 2-3 other taxa (Aleixo et al. 2023, A. Lees in litt. 2024).
This species occurs in a wide range of lowland habitats up to 100 m, rainforest, dry forest, clearings, forest edge, open woodland, thickets, and especially swampy areas, including mangroves (del Hoyo et al. 2002, Winkler et al. 2020). It is usually seen hopping along tree limbs, singly or in pairs (Hilty 2003).
The species is threatened by the loss of its habitat through large-scale clearance, often assisted by the use of fire, of forest, shrubland and woodland within the range for agricultural expansion (Aleixo et al. 2023). Its tolerance of a variety of wooded habitats, and possible preference for edges and clearings, however suggests that it is not severely impacted.
Conservation Actions Underway
The species occurs in several protected areas across its range, including Viruá National Park, Brazil (Aleixo et al. 2023). Otherwise, no targeted actions are known for this species.
Conservation Actions Proposed
Research the taxonomic status of the population in Pará, Brazil, and determine whether the records refer to this species. Survey to ascertain the range boundaries and to quantify the population size. Investigate the species' ecology and population structure. Monitor the population trend. Protect areas of suitable habitat within the range.
9 cm. Tiny, brown-and-white woodpecker. Pale brown upperparts. White fringes to flight feathers. White belly flecked with brown. Breast banded brown and buff. Black crown, with red tips to feathers. Voice A high-pitched thin trill lasting around three seconds.
Text account compilers
Hermes, C.
Contributors
Butchart, S., Ekstrom, J., Khwaja, N., Sharpe, C.J., Symes, A. & Lees, A.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: White-bellied Piculet Picumnus spilogaster. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/white-bellied-piculet-picumnus-spilogaster on 22/12/2024.
Recommended citation for factsheets for more than one species: BirdLife International (2024) IUCN Red List for birds. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/search on 22/12/2024.