Climacteridae

views updated

Climacteridae (Australian tree-creepers; class Aves, order Passeriformes) A family of small, brown birds that have slightly decurved bills and large feet and claws. They are found in forest and scrub and are mainly insectivorous, feeding in an upward spiral on tree trunks, and occasionally on the ground. They nest in a hollow branch or trunk. There is one genus, Climacteris, found in Australia and New Guinea.

More From encyclopedia.com