Sasia is a genus of birds in the woodpecker family Picidae, that are native to the Old World. They are very small, virtually tailless woodpeckers, with a crombec or nuthatch-like appearance and foraging habits. Their habitat is forest and secondary growth.[1]
These species have a flesh orbital ring and a rounded (in cross-section) upper mandible. They have ten rectrices and only three toes (absent first digit, or hallux).[2]
The African piculet has sometimes been included in this genus. It has only eight rectrices and four toes in a zygodactyl arrangement (a weak first digit). It differs from the Asian species in the plumage colour of the adult, but not in the plumage pattern, body anatomy or in habits.[3]
The genus contains two species:[4]
| Image | Common name | Scientific name | Distribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sasia abnormis | mainly Malaysia and Indonesia | ||
| Sasia ochracea | mainland Southeast Asia | ||