The scaled woodcreeper is a species of bird in the subfamily Dendrocolaptinae of the ovenbird family Furnariidae. It is endemic to Brazil.
Region
Atlantic Forest of eastern Brazil
Typical Environment
Occurs across the Atlantic Forest from northeastern and eastern Brazil southward through Bahia and Minas Gerais to Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Paraná, Santa Catarina, and Rio Grande do Sul. It inhabits humid evergreen and semi-deciduous forests, including older secondary growth and forest edges. Most common in well-preserved tracts but can persist in mosaic landscapes with sufficient tree cover. Uses vertical substrates from the understory to the mid- and upper canopy while foraging.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A specialist trunk-climber, the scaled woodcreeper uses its stiff tail as a prop while it gleans insects from bark. It often joins mixed-species flocks moving through the forest, which helps it locate prey and reduce predation risk. Its fine buff-and-dark scaling on the head, neck, and breast is a key field mark among woodcreepers. Although it tolerates some secondary forest, it is sensitive to heavy fragmentation of the Atlantic Forest.
Temperament
wary and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between trunks; otherwise climbs and sidles along bark
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, frequently accompanying mixed-species flocks moving through the forest. Nests in natural cavities or old woodpecker holes, where both parents participate in care. Territorial calls are given from mid-level perches, while foraging is mostly quiet and methodical.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a short series of clear, slightly descending whistles that accelerates toward the end. Calls include sharp, high tchik notes and soft rattling contact calls when with mixed flocks.
Plumage
Warm brown overall with fine buff scaling bordered by darker edges on the head, neck, and breast; back shows subtle scalloping. Wings and tail are rich rufous. Feathers are sleek and close-fitting, accentuating the scaled pattern on the anterior.
Diet
Feeds primarily on arthropods such as beetles, ants, spiders, and larvae. It gleans and probes into bark crevices, pries loose flakes, and inspects epiphytes and dead leaf clusters. Prey is captured by quick jabs and picked from surfaces as it ascends trunks and large branches. Occasionally hawks short distances to seize flushed insects.
Preferred Environment
Forages on trunks and thick branches from the understory to the canopy, favoring mature or well-structured secondary forest. Often follows mixed flocks along forest edges and inside continuous forest, especially along ridges and ravines.
