Hoffmanns's woodcreeper is a Vulnerable species of bird in the subfamily Dendrocolaptinae of the ovenbird family Furnariidae. It is endemic to Brazil.
Region
Brazilian Amazon
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland humid rainforest, primarily terra firme and adjacent transitional forests. It prefers tall, continuous forest with abundant large trees and snags but can use selectively logged areas if some canopy structure remains. Typically keeps to trunks and large branches from the understory to mid-canopy. Highly sensitive to extensive habitat loss and fragmentation, which reduce foraging and nesting opportunities.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 900 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A large woodcreeper endemic to Brazil, it forages by hitching up trunks and probing bark, dead wood, and vine tangles for hidden prey. It is closely tied to mature lowland Amazonian forests and is sensitive to fragmentation. The species is listed as Vulnerable due to ongoing deforestation within its relatively restricted range. It may join mixed-species flocks and occasionally follows army-ant swarms.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between trees
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs, often accompanying mixed-species flocks through the forest. Nests in natural cavities or old woodpecker holes in large trees. Likely monogamous with both sexes involved in territory defense and nesting. Outside breeding, maintains feeding routes within extensive forest tracts.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of clear, slightly ringing whistles delivered in a steady pace, often rising or slightly descending toward the end. Calls include sharp contact notes and harsher scolds when alarmed.
Plumage
Warm brown overall with fine dark barring across the back and underparts, and contrasting rufous wings and tail. Throat buffy to pale with subtle streaking; crown and nape finely barred. Feathers are sleek and close-fitting, aiding in trunk-climbing.
Diet
Feeds mainly on arthropods such as beetles, spiders, and cockroaches taken from crevices, flaking bark, and dead wood. Occasionally captures small vertebrates or takes prey flushed by army ants. Foraging involves probing, gleaning, and pecking at rotting timber and vine tangles.
Preferred Environment
Forages on trunks and large limbs from the lower to middle forest levels, especially in mature terra firme forest. Often works along edges of clearings within continuous forest but avoids open habitats.
