The spotted woodcreeper is a species of bird in the subfamily Dendrocolaptinae of the ovenbird family Furnariidae. It is found in Belize, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Panama.
Region
Southern Mexico to northwestern South America
Typical Environment
Occurs from southern Mexico through Central America to western Colombia and Ecuador. It inhabits humid lowland and foothill evergreen forests, mature secondary forests, and forest edges with tall trees. Birds are most often seen on large trunks and inner canopy branches, where they glean and probe. It frequently accompanies mixed-species flocks and attends army-ant swarms inside forest interiors.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2400 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The spotted woodcreeper is a forest specialist that forages by hitching up trunks and large branches, probing bark, moss, and epiphytes for hidden prey. It frequently joins mixed-species flocks and often attends army-ant swarms to catch flushed insects. Its long, slightly decurved bill is adapted for extracting invertebrates from crevices. Deforestation can impact local populations by reducing the extent of mature humid forest it prefers.
Tandayapa Valley, northwestern Ecuador
Temperament
shy and unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between trees; mostly climbs rather than flies
Social Behavior
Often joins mixed-species foraging flocks and regularly attends army-ant swarms. Typically forages singly or in pairs, moving methodically up trunks and along large limbs. Nests in tree cavities, often using natural holes or old woodpecker excavations; both parents participate in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of clear, mellow whistles delivered in a descending or slightly accelerating sequence. Calls include sharp chips and softer contact notes given while foraging within the canopy.
