The great rufous woodcreeper is a species of bird in the subfamily Dendrocolaptinae of the ovenbird family Furnariidae. It is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, and Paraguay.
Region
Gran Chaco, Pantanal, and Cerrado
Typical Environment
Occurs in south-central South America, especially in dry Chaco woodlands, gallery forests, and semi-open woodlands with large trees. It also uses palm savannas, forest edges, riparian corridors, and second-growth with substantial dead wood. Frequently forages on large trunks, snags, and fallen logs, and will enter wooded ranchlands and parklands. Presence is closely tied to availability of mature trees and coarse bark substrates.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
One of the largest woodcreepers, it climbs trunks using a stiff tail for support and a long, powerful bill to pry insects from bark and dead wood. Pairs often keep contact with loud, ringing calls and may duet. It favors mature trees and large snags, so it can be sensitive to extensive logging and conversion of dry forests.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs that defend territories in wooded habitats. Nests in cavities in large trees or snags, often using natural holes and lining them with wood chips. Pair bonds can be long-term, and adults coordinate movements while foraging up trunks and along large branches.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A loud, ringing series of clear, nasal whistles that often accelerate or slightly descend. Calls include harsh scolds and contact notes used between members of a pair.
Plumage
Largely rich rufous to chestnut overall with slightly darker wings and tail, and faint dusky streaking on the head and upper back. The body feathers are smooth and unpatterned below, giving a uniform rufous impression. Tail is long and stiff-tipped for bracing against trunks.
Diet
Primarily feeds on arthropods such as beetles, ants, termites, spiders, and other insects pried from bark, crevices, and dead wood. It may also take small vertebrates like lizards when available and occasionally grabs prey from epiphytes or under loose bark. Uses its strong, decurved bill to chisel, pry, and probe.
Preferred Environment
Forages on large tree trunks, snags, and fallen logs in dry woodland, gallery forest, and edges. It works methodically upward on trunks and along big branches, sometimes descending to inspect logs and stumps.
