The African spotted creeper is a small passerine bird in the family Salpornithidae. It is found in subsaharan Africa in open deciduous forest and mango groves. It does not migrate other than local movements.
Region
East and south-central Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily in open deciduous and semi-arid woodlands, including miombo and mopane, acacia savanna, and riverine woodland. It also frequents large garden trees and traditional orchards, such as mango groves, where old bark and lichen are abundant. Prefers areas with widely spaced mature trees and a relatively open understory for maneuvering along trunks and limbs. It avoids dense rainforest and treeless grasslands but can persist in lightly modified landscapes with retained large trees.
Altitude Range
200–2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The African spotted creeper is a cryptic tree-clinging songbird that creeps along trunks and branches, often upside-down, much like a nuthatch. Unlike true treecreepers, it lacks a stiff tail for support and relies on agility and a slender, slightly downcurved bill to glean prey. Its exquisitely mottled plumage blends with lichen-covered bark, making it surprisingly hard to spot. Nests are cleverly camouflaged pads or shallow cups placed on horizontal branches and decorated with lichens.
S. s. xylodromus at Marondera, Zimbabwe
Temperament
solitary and inconspicuous
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief undulating hops between trees
Social Behavior
Usually forages singly or in pairs, maintaining loose territories in suitable woodland. Breeding pairs build a well-camouflaged nest on a horizontal branch, often decorated with lichen and bark flakes. Clutches are small, and both parents participate in care. Outside breeding, it may join mixed-species flocks loosely but remains unobtrusive.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a thin, high, sibilant series of notes and brief trills that carry weakly through open woodland. Calls include soft, high-pitched tsee or seee contact notes, often given while creeping along branches.
