The scalloped woodcreeper is a species of bird in the subfamily Dendrocolaptinae of the ovenbird family Furnariidae. It is found in Argentina. Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
Region
Southern South America
Typical Environment
Occurs in southeastern Brazil, eastern Paraguay, Uruguay, and northeastern Argentina, chiefly in Atlantic Forest, gallery woodlands, and semi-open forest mosaics. Favors mature and secondary forest, riparian corridors, and araucaria and pine plantations with retained native understory. Often forages from lower to mid-level trunks but will ascend to the canopy on larger trees. Tolerates fragmented habitats better than some congeners, provided suitable tree cover remains.
Altitude Range
0–1400 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A slender, trunk-climbing woodcreeper of southern South America, it uses a stiff tail as a prop while it spirals up tree boles to probe bark for hidden prey. Often joins mixed-species flocks and occasionally attends army ant swarms to snatch flushed arthropods. Its finely scalloped plumage provides excellent camouflage against textured bark.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between trees; mostly climbs rather than flies long distances
Social Behavior
Usually seen alone or in pairs, maintaining territories year-round. Regularly associates with mixed-species flocks, moving methodically along trunks and thicker branches. Nests in tree cavities or old woodpecker holes, lining them with wood fibers; both sexes likely share incubation and chick-rearing duties.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A brief series of clear, descending whistles delivered from mid-canopy perches. Calls include sharp, thin notes and soft chatters used while foraging within mixed flocks.
Plumage
Finely scalloped pattern on the head, neck, and underparts over warm brown to olive-brown tones; upperparts more uniform with subtle edging. Wings and tail are richer rufous, contrasting with the browner back. Plumage is sleek and close-fitting, aiding stealthy movement along trunks.
Diet
Feeds mainly on arthropods such as beetles, ants, spiders, and caterpillars gleaned from bark, crevices, and epiphytes. Probes and flicks aside loose bark and lichens to expose prey. Occasionally hawks short distances for flying insects and may take small vertebrates very rarely.
Preferred Environment
Forages on trunks and large branches in forest interiors, edges, and gallery forests. Frequently uses mid-story to lower canopy, focusing on rough-barked trees and areas rich in epiphytes and mosses.
