Varzea Piculet

Varzea Piculet by AFC

Picumnus varzeae by Pat Latas
(8 in. x 8 in. | mixed: graphite, ink, digital | ID#4058)

Family: PICIDAE | Conservation Status: Endangered | Population Trend: stable
 

Artist Statement

Who could NOT love a tiny, pygmy woodpecker? I have seen the Varzea Piculet and it is so little; so busy, so cute. The Varzea habitat is unique and sadly was a large extent of the Amazonian biome at one point. Now, anthropogenic impact is so severe that only remnants exist, and those are threatened by continuous timber trafficking, cutting of forests, and conversion to agricultural and other human exploitative uses. The sad little victims include the tiny piculets. In selecting species to illustrate for the Silent Skies Mural, I chose birds who I have actually seen in the wild or at least their very near relatives. In my other life, I am a wildlife and avian veterinarian, interested in conservation, and serve various organizations in that professional capacity. The opportunity to bring some of the lesser-known and less-spectacular species to light is a real privilege, and reflects the mission of Artists for Conservation. These birds demand and deserve our attention and their extinction would be a tragic loss to the biodiversity and beauty and brilliance of our precious planet.
 
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