The Brown Creeper is a small, cryptic songbird of North America, perfectly camouflaged with its mottled brown and white plumage that resembles tree bark. It is known for its distinctive foraging behavior, spiraling up tree trunks, probing bark crevices with its slender, decurved bill. Its stiff tail acts as a prop.
Where to spot
Widespread across most of North America, from Alaska and Canada south through the United States, and in mountainous regions of Mexico and Central America. It prefers mature forests, particularly those with large, rough-barked trees.
How to spot
Look for its characteristic 'creeping' movement up tree trunks. Its camouflage makes it challenging to spot, so focus on movement. Listen for its high-pitched, whispering song and thin, lisping calls.
When to spot
Resident year-round in much of its range, but some northern populations migrate south for winter. They are active throughout the day, but their high-pitched calls are most often heard in spring.
Where to spot
Widespread across most of North America, from Alaska and Canada south through the United States, and in mountainous regions of Mexico and Central America. It prefers mature forests, particularly those with large, rough-barked trees.
How to spot
Look for its characteristic 'creeping' movement up tree trunks. Its camouflage makes it challenging to spot, so focus on movement. Listen for its high-pitched, whispering song and thin, lisping calls.
When to spot
Resident year-round in much of its range, but some northern populations migrate south for winter. They are active throughout the day, but their high-pitched calls are most often heard in spring.
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Brown Creepers almost always start at the base of a tree and spiral upwards, then fly to the base of a new tree to repeat the process, rarely moving downwards headfirst like nuthatches.
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