The ruddy treerunner is a passerine bird in the Furnariinae subfamily of the ovenbird family Furnariidae. It is found in Costa Rica and Panama.
Region
Central America
Typical Environment
Occurs in the highlands of Costa Rica and western Panama, especially in humid montane and cloud forests. It favors moss-laden trees with abundant epiphytes, including bromeliads and orchids. Most often found in forest interiors but also along mature edges and ravines. Regularly accompanies mixed-species foraging flocks along mid to upper forest strata.
Altitude Range
1200–3200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small ovenbird of cloud forests, the ruddy treerunner uses stiff, spiny tail feathers to brace itself against trunks and branches, much like a woodcreeper. It frequently joins mixed-species flocks, darting along mossy limbs and bromeliads in search of tiny arthropods. Its reliance on epiphyte-rich, mature montane forest makes it sensitive to habitat degradation.
Temperament
active and agile
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, typically short hops between branches
Social Behavior
Often travels in pairs or small family groups and frequently associates with mixed-species flocks. Nests are placed in secure cavities or dense epiphyte clumps in the mid to upper canopy. Both members of a pair participate in foraging and territory defense.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A thin, high-pitched series of rapid notes, often delivered in short trills. Calls include sharp, squeaky chips used to keep contact within flocks.
Plumage
Mostly uniform rufous to cinnamon with slightly brighter tail and warmer tones on the wings; plumage appears soft but compact, aiding close-quarters climbing.
Diet
Primarily small arthropods such as insects and spiders gleaned from bark, moss, and epiphytes. It probes into bromeliads and crevices and may briefly hover to snatch prey from leaf surfaces. Foraging is almost constant while moving through the canopy.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in humid montane forest interiors with heavy moss and epiphyte growth, from mid-levels to the canopy. Also uses mature secondary growth where structural complexity remains high.
