Northern Barred Woodcreeper

Northern Barred Woodcreeper

With migration practically over, even down here in Tortuguero, Costa Rica, I want to take a look at another resident species, the Northern Barred Woodcreeper. Woodcreepers are a neotropical subfamily (Dendrocolaptinae) within the family of the ovenbirds (Furnariidae).

Their distinctively shaped tails provide strong support as they forage for small invertebrate prey on tree trunks. Note the width of the feather shafts on that tail!

Northern Barred Woodcreeper

This particular individual undoubtedly has a territory right where the 'CCC station' net lanes are, for I've caught it (#1245) and its mate (#1250) several times now. They have a distinctive, somewhat squeaky upslurred call that I hear frequently.

Northern Barred Woodcreeper

Most woodcreepers have brownish plumage, often with streaks. Within its range, on the Atlantic slope from southern Mexico through Central America to Colombia, Venezuela and Ecuador, it is the only completely barred woodcreeper, and thus readily identified.