The montane woodcreeper is a perching bird species in the subfamily Dendrocolaptinae of the ovenbird family Furnariidae. It is found in Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs from Venezuela through Colombia and Ecuador to Peru and Bolivia, primarily in humid montane and cloud forests. It favors interior forest, edges, and elfin forest with abundant moss and epiphytes. Often forages from mid-story to canopy on mossy trunks and larger branches. It tolerates some secondary growth but is most numerous in mature, moist forest. Typically absent from lowland forests and open habitats.
Altitude Range
1200–3500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A bark-gleaning specialist of humid Andean cloud forests, it uses its stiff tail feathers as a prop while climbing trunks and large limbs. The species often joins mixed-species flocks, moving methodically as it probes mosses and crevices for arthropods. Its scientific name, lacrymiger, refers to a subtle 'tear-like' pale mark near the eye.
Temperament
secretive but active
Flight Pattern
short, direct flights between trunks; strong clinger
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, frequently joining mixed-species flocks moving through the canopy and mid-story. Nests in natural cavities or old woodpecker holes, often lined with wood chips. Both parents typically participate in incubation and feeding of the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a short series of clear, thin whistles, often slightly descending or accelerating. Calls include sharp, high-pitched notes given while foraging and moving with flocks.
Plumage
Warm brown upperparts with fine buffy streaking on the head and breast, and more uniform brown back; wings and tail rich rufous. Feathers appear slightly mottled due to heavy moss-staining in humid habitats. Long decurved bill and stiff tail typical of woodcreepers.
Diet
Feeds chiefly on arthropods such as beetles, ants, spiders, and larvae, gleaned from bark and epiphyte mats. Probes crevices and moss with its slender, decurved bill. Occasionally takes small invertebrates flushed by mixed-species flocks or other disturbances.
Preferred Environment
Forages on mossy trunks, large branches, and vine tangles in humid montane and cloud forests. Most active in the interior and along shaded edges with heavy epiphyte growth.
