Picumnus innominatus ( Speckled piculet)
The Picumnus innominatus, commonly known as the speckled piculet, is a diminutive woodpecker species found within the lush forests of the Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP). This bird is notable for its speckled plumage and small size, often measuring just 9 to 10 centimeters in length. The speckled piculet is an important member of the avifaunal diversity of GHNP, particularly adapted to the dense canopies and bamboo groves of the lower to mid-altitude forests.
Picumnus innominatus – Speckled piculet (click to enlarge)
Distinctive Features and Behavior
The speckled piculet displays olive-green upperparts with pale, streaked underparts. Males can be identified by the tiny red or orange forehead patch, which is absent in females. Their tail is short, and their bill is fine and chisel-like—perfectly adapted for pecking at insect-laden branches. Despite its woodpecker lineage, the speckled piculet prefers thinner twigs and bamboo stalks rather than thick tree trunks. It moves quickly and quietly through the vegetation, often as part of mixed-species flocks.
Speckled piculet (click to enlarge)
Habitat and Range in GHNP
Within the Great Himalayan National Park, Picumnus innominatus can be observed at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 2,400 meters. It favors moist deciduous forests, oak-rhododendron zones, and bamboo thickets—habitats that are especially rich in insect prey. In GHNP, sightings are more common in the Tirthan Valley and Sainj Valley, where the microclimates support dense forest cover and a thriving insect population. The bird’s elusive nature makes it a rare but exciting find for birdwatchers exploring these trails.
| Common name | Speckled Piculet |
| Scientific name | Picumnus innominatus |
| Family | Psittacidae |
| Description | A petite woodpecker with soft, rounded black and white tail. The Himalayan variety has a bright yellow-olive above with black and orange fore crown; a broad blackish olive band behind eye and its neck bordered conspicuously by white bands–below is yellowish white with bold black spots. Found in most of Himachal Pradesh up to 2000 meters. It is seen singly or in pairs in moist-deciduous and semi-evergreen biotope–feeds mainly on ants in all stages. |
Conservation and Importance
Although the speckled piculet is not currently listed as threatened, its dependence on healthy forest ecosystems makes it vulnerable to habitat degradation. The Great Himalayan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers crucial protection to its habitat, making it a safe haven for this and many other forest-dependent bird species. Conservation of GHNP’s biodiversity directly benefits species like the Picumnus innominatus by ensuring food sources and nesting areas remain undisturbed.