Great Spotted Woodpecker
All About Piciformes
Discover everything there is to know about woodpeckers and allies, who are tree-dwellers with strong beaks and agile climbing feet!
What Are Piciformes?
Piciformes are small birds characterized by a short neck, a rounded head, short legs, and fan-shaped tail feathers. They all share one unique feature: an unusual beak. Most are woodpeckers - like the great spotted woodpecker. Out of over 460 species, more than 250 belong to this family. Woodpeckers are exceptionally well adapted to life in trees. Their feet are designed for climbing, and their tail feathers provide extra support as they can lean on them.
Main Characteristics of Piciformes
1. They Have a Strong Beak
The Piciformes family includes a large variety of different birds. They all possess a distinctive beak, but not all of them hammer like the great spotted woodpecker. The toucan uses its massive beak to regulate its body temperature. Jacamars spear insects with their long, slender beaks. Barbets use theirs to crush or break open fruits and bark.
2. They Nest in Cavities
Most Piciformes nest in tree cavities, and some even in termite mounds (!). However, only the woodpeckers create their own cavities by hollowing out trees with their beaks.
3. They Live in Trees
Most Piciformes are tree-dwellers. This means they are highly adapted to life in trees and spend the majority of their time in forests.
Piciformes Family Tree
Amazing Facts About Piciformes
- There are 460 species of Piciformes
- They're categorized into nine families: toucans, toucan-barbets, New World barbets, African barbets, Asian barbets, honeyguides, woodpeckers, puffbirds and jacamars.
- The most well-known are the toucan and the great spotted woodpecker.
- Generally, these birds are small, featuring short necks, round heads, and short legs.
- They're primarily carnivorous or frugivorous, feeding on insects, fruits, or honey.
- Piciformes spend most of their time in trees.
- Some of these birds have two toes pointing forward and two pointing backward, making it easier for them to support themselves while climbing trees.
- Their tails are shaped like a spatula or a fan, acting as a third leg to support them while holding tight onto branches.
- The largest species are the toco toucan and the imperial woodpecker, reaching lengths of up to 24 inches (62 cm).
- The smallest is the rufous piculet, measuring only 3-4 inches (8-10 cm) in length and averaging 0.3 ounces (9.2 grams) in weight.
