The straight-billed woodcreeper is a species of bird in the subfamily Dendrocolaptinae of the ovenbird family Furnariidae. It is found in Panama, Trinidad, and in every mainland South American country except Chile, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay.
Region
Northern South America, Panama and Trinidad
Typical Environment
This species occurs from Panama and Trinidad across northern and central South America, including much of the Amazon and Orinoco basins. It frequents lowland forests, mangroves, riverine woodland, gallery forests, second growth, and forest edges. It is especially common in mangrove systems and along waterways with abundant deadwood and exposed roots. It adapts well to semi-open woodlands and disturbed forests as long as large trees or dense root tangles are available for foraging.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The straight-billed woodcreeper is an agile trunk-climber that uses its stiff tail feathers as a prop while it forages along bark and mangrove roots. Its unusually straight, slender bill helps it probe into crevices for hidden prey, distinguishing it from many other woodcreepers with curved bills. It often joins mixed-species flocks and may occasionally attend army-ant swarms to catch flushed insects.
In Panama
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between trees; spends much time climbing trunks
Social Behavior
Usually seen alone or in pairs, moving methodically up trunks and along large branches. Frequently joins mixed-species foraging flocks in forest and edge habitats. Nesting is in tree cavities or similar sheltered sites, with both sexes likely participating in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives a series of clear, high, slightly ringing whistles and sharp notes, often delivered in short sequences. Calls can be thin and piercing, carrying well through mangroves and riverine woodland.
