Woodcreepers

(Dendrocolaptidae)

Class Aves

Order Passeriformes

Suborder Tyranni (Suboscines)

Family Dendrocolaptidae

Thumbnail description
Non-migratory, plain-colored songbirds that forage for invertebrates on the bark surface of trees

Size
Body length ranges from 5.5–14 in (14–36 cm)

Number of genera, species
13 genera; 52 species

Habitat
Occurs in many types of humid tropical and montane forests and brushlands

Conservation status
Vulnerable: 1 species

Distribution
Occurs throughout the tropics of Central and South America, ranging from southern Mexico to northern Argentina

Evolution and systematics

The woodcreepers (Dendrocolaptidae) are a family of songbirds within the extremely diverse order of perching birds (Passeriformes). They are believed to be most closely related to the ovenbirds (Furnariidae), ant thrushes (Formicariidae), cotingas (Cotingidae), manakins (Pipridae), and tyrant flycatchers (Tyrannidae). Some avian systematists, however, consider the Dendrocolaptidae to be a subfamily of the Furnariidae (naming them as Dendrocolapinae). The wood-creepers resemble the creepers (Certhiidae), a Northern Hemisphere family, but this resemblance is because of convergent evolution, as the families are not closely related. The woodcreepers are divided into 13 genera and 52 species (depending on the taxonomic treatment).

Physical characteristics

Woodcreepers have a body length that can range from 5.5 to 14 in (14–36 cm). They have a rather slim body, long rounded wings, and a long graduated tail with 12 outer feathers (or retrices). The shafts of the tail feathers project beyond the broad vanes as sharp, downward-curving spines. The legs of woodcreepers are short and the feet are strong, with long toes and strong claws. The bill varies greatly in size and shape, ranging from a 3-in (7 cm) long, strongly down-curved, sickle-shaped bill at one extreme, to a short, laterally compressed bill at the other. The plumage is typically dull brown, brownish olive, brownish red, or brownish yellow, and is usually striped, banded, or spotted. The sexes have a similar external anatomy and coloration.

Distribution

Woodcreepers occur throughout the tropics of Central and South America, ranging from southern Mexico to northern Argentina. The greatest richness of species occurs in tropical Amazonia.

Habitat

Woodcreepers occur in many types of humid tropical and montane forests and brushlands.

Behavior

Woodcreepers are non-migratory birds, remaining all year within their general breeding area. They do not form flocks, but some species live in pairs all year. Some species associate with mixed-species foraging flocks of other species. Wood-creepers roost at night, always singly, in natural tree-cavities or old woodpecker holes. Their songs are pure, simple, clear melodies. Often the song is a soft trill or a long sequence of loud, ringing, similar tones. They sing mostly at dusk, often while feeding.

Feeding ecology and diet

Woodcreepers feed on insects, spiders, and other invertebrates, for which they search in clefts in bark and among mosses, lichens, and epiphytic plants growing on tree-limbs. While looking for food, they clamber up tree trunks, often vertically, using the stiff tail as a support. When they reach the top of a tree, they fly directly to a low point on another one, where they again start foraging upwards. Some species, notably those of the genus Dendrocincla, may follow foraging columns of army ants, seeking insects flushed out of their hiding places by the ants. Some woodcreepers also catch flying insects on the wing, and they may take small lizards. Rarely, they may eat small fruits.

Reproductive biology

Woodcreepers build their nests in old woodpecker excavations or in natural cavities in trees. The nest is made of fine rootlets, pieces of bark, lichens, and strands of plant fibers. They lay two or three white eggs. In almost all species, both parents share in building the nest, incubating the eggs, and rearing the young. In the tawny-winged woodcreeper (Dendrocincla anabatina), however, only the female incubates the eggs. The incubation period is 15–21 days, and the time to fledging is 19–23 days. In most species, the older nestlings and fledglings roost in different holes from each of the parents.

Conservation status

IUCN lists one species, the moustached woodcreeper (Xiphocolaptes falcirostris), as Vulnerable. This species inhabits the dry tropical forests of the interior of eastern Brazil. It has declined greatly in range and abundance because almost all of this habitat type has been converted to agricultural land-uses or is being harvested to provide raw material to manufacture charcoal or paper pulp. The greater scythebill (Campylorhamphus pucherani) of the tropical forests of Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru is listed by IUCN as Near Threatened. Other species have also declined significantly in range and abundance, mostly because of extensive habitat loss or disturbance, but are not yet considered to be at risk.

Significance to humans

Woodcreepers are of no direct importance to humans, other than the indirect economic benefits of ecotourism associated with tropical birdwatching.

Species accounts

List of Species

Plain-brown woodcreeper

Dendrocincla fuliginosa

taxonomy

Dendrocincla fuliginosa Vieillot, 1818.

other common names

English: Thrush-like woodcreeper; French: Grimpar enfumá; German: Grauwangenbaumsteiger; Spanish: Trepatronco Pardo.

physical characteristics

Body length 8–8.5 in (19.5–21.5 cm). Has a stout, chisel-shaped bill. Overall coloration is rufous-brown, redder on the rump and tail and lighter on the belly. There is geographic variation in coloration among races of this widespread species.

distribution

Occurs throughout much of tropical Central and South America, from Honduras in the north through to Amazonian Brazil, Peru, and Bolivia. Also occurs along the Pacific coast of Ecuador and Colombia.

habitat

Occurs in a range of types of humid tropical rainforest and in mature secondary forest. Inhabits the lower part of the canopy. Occurs as high as about 4,300 ft (1,300 m).

behavior

Usually occurs singly or in pairs, or sometimes in small groups in the vicinity of a swarm of army ants. The song is a prolonged series of high-pitched notes.

feeding ecology and diet

Often attends swarms of army ants along with other species in a mixed foraging flock. Forages from a perch on a tree trunk, making sallies to catch insects disturbed by the ants. Also forages for arthropods on bark surfaces.

reproductive biology

Lays two or three eggs in a nest in a tree-cavity or abandoned woodpecker hole. The sexes share incubation and care of the nestlings.

conservation status

Not threatened. A widespread and abundant species.

significance to humans

None known.

Long-tailed woodcreeper

Deconychura longicauda

taxonomy

Deconychura longicauda Pelzeln, 1868.

other common names

French: Grimpar à longue queue; German: Langschwanz-Baumsteiger; Spanish: Trepatronco de Cola Larga.

physical characteristics

7.5–8.5 in (19–21.5 cm). Has a relatively long tail and a stout, chisel-shaped bill. Overall coloration is rufous-brown, redder on the rump and tail, with a buff-colored throat.

distribution

Occurs throughout much of tropical Central and South America, from Honduras in the north, through Costa Rica, Panama, and parts of Venezuela, the Guianas, Colombia, Ecuador, and Amazonian Brazil, Peru, and Bolivia. It has disjunct populations in the northern parts of the range, which could represent separate species.

habitat

Occurs in humid tropical and montane forest, especially in terra firme (or unflooded) forest. Occurs in the lower and middle levels of the canopy. Occurs as high as about 4,300 ft (1,300 m).

behavior

Usually occurs singly or in pairs, or sometimes in mixed-species foraging flocks. The song is a series of high-pitched whistled notes, but it varies among geographic races (which may actually be separate species).

feeding ecology and diet

Forages on tree-trunks and stout branches.

reproductive biology

Lays two or three eggs in a nest in a tree-cavity or abandoned woodpecker hole. The sexes share incubation and care of the nestlings.

conservation status

Not threatened. A widespread and locally abundant species.

significance to humans

None known.

Long-billed woodcreeper

Nasica longirostris

taxonomy

Nasica longirostris Vieillot, 1818.

other common names

French: Grimpar nasican; German: Langschnabel-Baumsteiger; Spanish: Trepatronco de Pico Largo.

physical characteristics

Body length 14–14.5 in (35–36 cm). A large woodcreeper with a long tail and a stout, slightly downcurved, white-colored bill that

makes up about one-third of the body length. The back and tail are colored rufous-brown, the neck and back of head are brown speckled with white, and the throat and chest are white.

distribution

Occurs throughout much of tropical South America, including southwestern Venezuela, eastern parts of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia, and most of Amazonian Brazil.

habitat

Inhabits humid, lowland, non-flooded tropical forest, usually close to surface water, as high as about 1,000 ft (300 m). Occurs in the middle and higher levels of the canopy.

behavior

Usually occurs singly or in pairs. The song is a series of three or four long, eerie, whistled notes.

feeding ecology and diet

Forages for arthropods on tree-trunks and stout branches, often near forest-edges in the vicinity of a body of water.

reproductive biology

Lays two to three eggs in a nest in a tree-cavity or abandoned woodpecker hole. The sexes share incubation and care of the nestlings.

conservation status

Not threatened. A widespread and locally abundant species.

significance to humans

None known.

Scimitar-billed woodcreeper

Drymornis bridgesii

taxonomy

Drymornis bridgesii Eyton, 1849.

other common names

French: Grimpar porte-sabre; German: Degenschnabel-Baumsteiger; Spanish: Chinchero Grande.

physical characteristics

Body length 12 in (30–31 cm). A large woodcreeper with a long tail and a stout, strongly downcurved, blackish bill that makes up about one-third of the body length. The back and tail are colored olive-brown, with white stripes along the side of the face, a white throat, and a brown-and-white striped belly.

distribution

Occurs in southern Bolivia, southern Brazil, western Paraguay, and northern and central Argentina.

habitat

Inhabits relatively open, lowland tropical forest and scrub, as high as about 1,650 ft (500 m).

behavior

Usually occurs singly or in pairs. The song is a series of loud, fast, shrieks.

feeding ecology and diet

Forages for arthropods on tree-trunks and stout branches, and sometimes on the ground.

reproductive biology

Lays two or three eggs in a nest in a tree-cavity or abandoned woodpecker hole. The sexes share incubation and care of the nestlings.

conservation status

Not threatened. A widespread and locally abundant species.

significance to humans

None known.

Uniform woodcreeper

Hylexetastes uniformis

taxonomy

Hylexetastes uniformis Hellmayr, 1909.

other common names

French: Grimpar uniforme; German: Wellenbauch-Baumsteiger; Spanish: Trepatronco de Pico Rayado.

physical characteristics

Body length 10.5 in (27 cm). A large woodcreeper with a long tail and a stout, short, reddish bill. The back and tail are uniformly

colored reddish brown, with a somewhat lighter belly, and few distinct markings.

distribution

Occurs in southeastern Bolivia and central Amazonian Brazil.

habitat

Inhabits lowland, humid, tropical forest, as high as about 1,650 ft (500 m).

behavior

Usually occurs singly or in pairs. The song is a series of four to six loud, piercing whistles.

feeding ecology and diet

Forages for arthropods on tree-trunks and stout branches.

reproductive biology

Lays two or three eggs in a nest in a tree-cavity or abandoned woodpecker hole. The sexes share incubation and care of the nestlings.

conservation status

Not threatened. A widespread but not abundant species.

significance to humans

None known.

Great rufous woodcreeper

Xiphocolaptes major

taxonomy

Xiphocolaptes major Vieillot, 1818.

other common names

French: Grand Grimpar; German: Riesenbaumsteiger; Spanish: Trepatronco Castaño.

physical characteristics

Body length 11–12 in (28–31 cm). A large woodcreeper with a long tail and a stout, rather long, slightly downcurved bill. The back and tail are uniformly colored rufous-brown, with a somewhat lighter cinnamon-brown head and underparts.

distribution

Occurs in north and central Bolivia, southwestern Brazil, Paraguay, and northern Argentina.

habitat

Inhabits lowland subtropical forest and open woodland, as high as about 4,900 ft (1,500 m).

behavior

Usually occurs singly or in pairs. The song is a series of loud, piercing whistles.

feeding ecology and diet

Forages for arthropods on tree-trunks and stout branches, and sometimes on the ground.

reproductive biology

Lays two or three eggs in a nest in a tree-cavity or abandoned woodpecker hole. The sexes share incubation and care of the nestlings.

conservation status

Not threatened. A widespread but not abundant species.

significance to humans

None known.

Lesser woodcreeper

Lepidocolaptes fuscus

taxonomy

Lepidocolaptes fuscus Vieillot, 1818.

other common names

French: Grimpar brun; German: Schlankschnabel-Baumsteiger; Spanish: Chinchero Enano.

physical characteristics

Body length about 7 in (17–18 cm). A medium-sized, rather slender woodcreeper with a long tail and a slim, short, down-curved bill. The back and tail are colored rufous-brown, the throat is whitish, and the underparts are brown-and-white streaked.

distribution

Occurs widely in northeastern South America, in eastern Brazil, Paraguay, and northeastern Argentina.

habitat

Inhabits humid lowland tropical forest, mature secondary forest, and montane forest as high as about 4,300 ft (1,300 m).

behavior

Usually occurs singly or in pairs, but may also accompany mixed-species foraging flocks. The song is a trill-like series of notes.

feeding ecology and diet

Forages for arthropods on tree-trunks and stout branches.

reproductive biology

Lays two or three eggs in a nest in a tree-cavity or abandoned woodpecker hole. The sexes share incubation and care of the nestlings.

conservation status

Not threatened. A widespread and locally abundant species.

significance to humans

None known.

Red-billed scythebill

Campylorhamphus trochilirostris

taxonomy

Campylorhamphus trochilirostris M.H.K. Lichtenstein, 1820.

other common names

English: Black-billed scythebill; French: Grimpar à bec rouge; German: Rotrücken-Sensenschnabel; Trauersensenschnabel; Spanish: Picapalo Rojizo.

physical characteristics

Body length 9.5–11 in (24–28 cm). A large woodcreeper with a long tail and a slender, long, strongly downcurved, reddish bill (length 2.5–3.5 in; 6.5–9 cm). The back and tail are colored rufous-brown,

with lighter cinnamon-brown underparts, and brown-and-white streaked head and throat.

distribution

Occurs widely in three disjunct regions, including areas in Panama, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and northern Argentina.

habitat

Inhabits lowland humid tropical forest, mature secondary forest, open woodland, and montane forest as high as about 6,600 ft (2,000 m).

behavior

Usually occurs singly or in pairs, but may accompany mixed-species foraging flocks. The song is a series of ascending or descending musical notes.

feeding ecology and diet

Forages for arthropods on tree-trunks and stout branches.

reproductive biology

Lays two or three eggs in a nest in a tree-cavity or abandoned woodpecker hole. The sexes share incubation and care of the nestlings.

conservation status

Not threatened. A widespread and locally abundant species.

significance to humans

None known.

Resources

Books

BirdLife International. Threatened Birds of the World. Barcelona, Spain, and Cambridge, UK: Lynx Edicions and BirdLife International, 2000.

Ridgely, R.S., and G. Tudor. The Birds of South America. Vol. II, The Suboscine Passerines. Austin, Texas: University of Texas Press, 1994.

Organizations

BirdLife International. Wellbrook Court, Girton Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire CB3 0NA United Kingdom. Phone: +44 1 223 277 318. Fax: +44-1-223-277-200. E-mail: [email protected] Web site: <http://www.birdlife.net>

IUCN–The World Conservation Union. Rue Mauverney 28, Gland, 1196 Switzerland. Phone: +41-22-999-0001. Fax: +41-22-999-0025. E-mail: [email protected] Web site: <http://www.iucn.org>

Bill Freedman, PhD