The point-tailed palmcreeper or simply palmcreeper is a species of bird in the Furnariinae subfamily of the ovenbird family Furnariidae. It is found in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela.
Region
Amazon Basin and the Guianas
Typical Environment
Occurs widely from southern Venezuela and the Guianas through Amazonian Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Brazil, reaching northern Bolivia. It is strongly tied to stands of large palms in lowland forest, river edges, and swampy moriche palm habitats. Also found in palm-dotted savannas and gallery forests, especially where dead or hanging fronds are abundant. Generally absent from dense terra firme forest without palms and from highly disturbed areas.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This is the sole member of its genus, a palm specialist that spends most of its time climbing fronds like a woodcreeper. It is strongly associated with moriche and other large palms, where it forages and often nests. The stiff, pointed tail feathers act as a prop while it creeps along vertical surfaces. Pairs frequently duet and maintain territories year-round.
Berlepschia rikeri Keulemans 1889
Temperament
active and agile
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between palms
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs that maintain small territories centered on palm clusters. Nests are often built of palm fibers tucked into or hanging beneath drooping fronds. Pairs may duet and remain together year-round, with both adults participating in territory defense.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A fast, dry rattle or chatter that accelerates slightly, often delivered from within palm crowns. Calls include sharp chips and trills; pairs frequently exchange phrases in brief duets.
Plumage
Densely patterned with rufous-brown and dark barring, giving a scaly or streaked look across the body. The crown and nape are finely streaked, the wings and tail richer rufous, and the underparts barred. Tail feathers are stiff and sharply pointed.
Diet
Primarily small arthropods such as beetles, ants, caterpillars, and spiders gleaned from dead and hanging palm fronds. Probes into curled frond edges and peels at fibrous layers to expose prey. Occasionally sallies short distances to snatch disturbed insects.
Preferred Environment
Feeds almost exclusively in the crowns and dead fronds of large palms, especially moriche (Mauritia flexuosa) and similar species. Foraging occurs on vertical and overhanging surfaces where the bird braces with its tail.
