The ruddy woodcreeper is a passerine bird in subfamily Dendrocolaptinae of the ovenbird family Furnariidae. It is found from southern Mexico to northern Colombia and extreme northern Venezuela.
Region
Central America and northern South America
Typical Environment
Occurs from southern Mexico through much of Central America to northern Colombia and extreme northern Venezuela. Prefers humid lowland and foothill evergreen forests, tall secondary growth, and forest edges. Frequently follows army-ant swarms in the forest interior and along shaded edges. Uses large trees, buttresses, and tangles of vines for foraging. Less common in heavily fragmented habitats but can persist where substantial canopy remains.
Altitude Range
0–1600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A uniform rufous woodcreeper that often attends army-ant swarms to snatch flushed insects. It forages by hitching up trunks and large vines, probing bark crevices for hidden prey. It is one of the few woodcreepers in its range with almost entirely reddish-brown plumage, aiding quick field identification. Nests are typically in tree cavities lined with wood chips.
Temperament
solitary and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between trunks; generally low, direct flights
Social Behavior
Usually alone or in pairs within defended territories, but regularly joins mixed-species flocks and follows army ants. Nests in natural cavities or old woodpecker holes, lined with wood chips; clutch typically small. Both sexes likely participate in nest duties, and pairs may remain together across seasons.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A simple series of clear, whistled notes that may descend slightly in pitch. Calls include soft whistles and short, mellow phrases given from mid-level perches. Vocalizations carry through dense understory without being harsh.
