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Overview
Plain-winged woodcreeper

Plain-winged woodcreeper

Wikipedia

The plain-winged woodcreeper or thrush-like woodcreeper is a sub-oscine passerine bird in subfamily Dendrocolaptinae of the ovenbird family Furnariidae. It is found in Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay.

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Distribution

Region

Atlantic Forest of southeastern South America

Typical Environment

Occurs in humid evergreen and semi-deciduous forests of southeastern Brazil, eastern Paraguay, and northeastern Argentina (Misiones). It favors mature forest but also uses well-developed secondary growth, forest edges, and gullies with dense vine tangles. Typically forages in the understory to midstory, creeping along trunks, large branches, and lianas. Frequently follows army ant swarms and occasionally joins mixed-species flocks. Most common where continuous forest cover remains.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 1700 m

Climate Zone

Subtropical

Characteristics

Size22–25 cm
Wing Span30–35 cm
Male Weight0.06 kg
Female Weight0.055 kg
Life Expectancy7 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

Also known as the thrush-like woodcreeper, this species is a forest interior specialist of the Atlantic Forest. It often attends army ant swarms to snatch flushed arthropods and will forage methodically on trunks and large vines. It nests in natural cavities or old woodpecker holes. It can be confused with the Plain-brown Woodcreeper, but lacks wing markings and is tied to the Atlantic Forest range.

Gallery

Bird photo
Bird photo
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Behaviour

Temperament

shy and unobtrusive

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats between trunks; mostly creeps rather than flies long distances

Social Behavior

Usually solitary or in pairs, moving quietly through the understory and midstory. Monogamous, nesting in tree cavities or old woodpecker holes, with both sexes sharing incubation and care. Territorial during breeding but may tolerate other species while following ant swarms.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Delivers soft, plaintive whistles in short series, often descending slightly. Calls include mellow, spaced notes used to maintain contact in dense forest.

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