The Tapajos scythebill is a species of bird in the subfamily Dendrocolaptinae of the ovenbird family Furnariidae. It is endemic to Brazil.
Region
Brazilian Amazon (Tapajós–Xingu interfluve)
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland Amazonian rainforest primarily between the Tapajós and Xingu rivers in the state of Pará, Brazil. It favors mature terra firme forest with large trees, abundant lianas, and epiphytes, and can occur locally in well-developed secondary forest. The species forages on trunks, branches, bamboo, and dead leaf clusters, often in the shaded interior. It is generally uncommon and patchily distributed where continuous forest remains.
Altitude Range
0–600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This woodcreeper is distinguished by its long, strongly decurved, scythe-like bill used to probe bark, vine tangles, and epiphytes for hidden prey. It is a secretive understory-to-midstory specialist that often joins mixed-species flocks in tall Amazonian terra firme forest. Vocalizations are key to detection, as the bird can be difficult to see against dark trunks. It was recently split from the Curve-billed Scythebill complex and is restricted to the Tapajós region of Brazil.
Temperament
solitary and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between trunks; generally clambers rather than undertakes long flights
Social Behavior
Often accompanies mixed-species flocks, moving methodically up trunks and along limbs. Pairs maintain territories in mature forest and nest in cavities, such as rot holes or old woodpecker nests. Breeding behavior is poorly documented but likely similar to other woodcreepers with biparental care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of clear, high-pitched whistles that accelerate slightly and may rise or gently undulate, carrying well through dense forest. Also gives sharp contact notes while foraging in mixed flocks.
Plumage
Warm brown to rufescent woodcreeper with fine buffy streaking on the head, neck, and upper back; underparts show thinner streaking that can fade toward the belly. Wings and tail are rich rufous, contrasting with darker brown upperparts. Feathers are sleek and closely set, giving a smooth, woodcreeper-like appearance.
Diet
Primarily arthropods such as beetles, ants, spiders, and cockroaches gleaned or probed from bark, crevices, epiphytes, dead leaf clusters, and vine tangles. Occasionally takes small vertebrates or other invertebrates when encountered. Uses its long bill to extract prey from deep fissures and from within curled leaves.
Preferred Environment
Feeds on large tree trunks, along midstory branches, and in liana-rich areas of tall terra firme forest. Frequently works through dense vegetation and bamboo patches, often in the shaded forest interior.
