The moustached woodcreeper is a Vulnerable species of bird in the subfamily Dendrocolaptinae of the ovenbird family Furnariidae. It is endemic to Brazil.
Region
Northeast Brazil
Typical Environment
Found in the Caatinga and adjacent dry to semi-humid woodlands, including gallery forests along rivers and patches of deciduous or seasonally dry forest. It favors mature stands with large, rough-barked trees and abundant dead wood. The species also uses forest edges and wooded hillsides but is scarce in heavily degraded scrub. Occurrence is patchy, with local strongholds where suitable tall trees remain.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This large woodcreeper clings to trunks and thick limbs, probing bark and crevices with its long decurved bill. Its bold whitish 'moustache' stripe helps separate it from other brown woodcreepers. Habitat loss in Brazil’s dry forests and gallery woodlands is the chief threat, and the species depends on mature trees for foraging and nesting. It typically occurs singly or in pairs and may join mixed-species flocks.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually encountered alone or in pairs, moving methodically up trunks and along large limbs. Pairs likely maintain year-round territories and nest in cavities or natural holes in large trees. It sometimes joins mixed-species foraging flocks in wooded habitats.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
The song is a clear, ringing series of whistles that may descend slightly in pitch and carry far through dry forest. Calls include sharp, penetrating notes and short trills given while foraging or maintaining contact.
Plumage
Overall warm brown to rufescent-brown with a streaked face and throat; mantle and wings plain brown; tail rich rufous. Underparts are buffy to brownish with fine dusky streaking on throat and upper breast. Plumage is sleek with a strong contrast between the pale malar 'moustache' and darker face.
Diet
Primarily arthropods such as beetles, ants, termites, and spiders gleaned or pried from bark and dead wood. It also probes into crevices, epiphytes, and under loose bark for hidden prey. Occasionally takes small vertebrates or other invertebrates when encountered.
Preferred Environment
Feeds on trunks and thick branches of mature trees, especially where bark is rough or peeling. Often forages at mid to lower levels but will ascend to the canopy in taller woodlands.
