Tradition / Region: French Mythology
Alternative names: Pique-au-mollet, Quiperlibresson, Cacalambri
Category: Bird
The Myth
The Picolaton is an imaginary bird from the folklore of Franche-Comté in eastern France. It is best known as a creature used to frighten children into behaving properly and hurrying along.
According to the tales, the Picolaton lurks in thorn bushes, waiting for lazy or slow-moving children. If they dawdle or refuse to obey their parents, the bird swoops down to nip their heels and peck at their buttocks, encouraging them to move more quickly.
Children who are especially mischievous are sometimes promised a chance to see the Picolaton’s marvelous nest, but only if they remain perfectly obedient. The promised visit, often around April Fool’s Day, is nothing more than a playful trick, ensuring that the fabulous bird and its nest are never actually found.
Sources
Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Picolaton. In Wikipedia. Retrieved June 29, 2026, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Picolaton