Zimmer's woodcreeper is a Near Threatened species of bird in the subfamily Dendrocolaptinae of the ovenbird family Furnariidae. It is found in Brazil, Colombia, and Peru.
Region
Western and central Amazon Basin
Typical Environment
Occurs along major white-water rivers in Brazil, Colombia, and Peru, especially on river islands and young floodplain (várzea) edges. Prefers early-successional woodlands with Cecropia, Tessaria, and cane (Gynerium) thickets, as well as secondary growth along channels. It forages from near the ground to the midstory, usually on trunks, larger branches, and vine tangles. Generally absent from mature terra firme forest away from river corridors.
Altitude Range
0–400 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Zimmer's woodcreeper is a river-island specialist of the western and central Amazon, typically found in young, dynamic floodplain forests and canebrakes. It creeps up trunks and along branches, probing bark and crevices for arthropods with a long, nearly straight bill. Its dependence on early-successional riverine habitats makes it vulnerable to damming and river regulation that reduce island turnover. It is often seen singly or in pairs and may join mixed-species flocks along river edges.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen alone or in pairs, moving methodically up trunks and along branches. Occasionally associates with mixed-species flocks along river edges. Nests in natural cavities or crevices in trees or dead snags typical of riverine forests, with both adults participating in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a short, thin series of high, slightly descending whistles. Calls include sharp, penetrating seep or tsee notes given from exposed perches along river margins.
Plumage
Warm brown to rufescent upperparts with fine buffy streaking on the crown and mantle; underparts paler brown with faint streaking on the throat and upper breast. Wings and tail are rich rufous, contrasting with the browner back. Feathers appear sleek and close-fitting, aiding its climbing habits.
Diet
Primarily feeds on arthropods such as beetles, spiders, and other insects, gleaned from bark, crevices, and vine tangles. It sometimes probes into dead wood or epiphytes and may take small snails or other invertebrates opportunistically. Foraging is typically deliberate, using the long bill to pry and probe.
Preferred Environment
Forages on vertical trunks, large limbs, and dense vine or cane tangles in young river-island woodland and floodplain edges. Often remains close to waterways where early-successional growth is abundant.
