Dendrocolaptes certhia
The Amazonian Barred Woodcreeper (*Dendrocolaptes certhia*) is a striking, medium-sized avian inhabitant of the Amazonian rainforests, typically measuring 27-30 cm (10.5-12 inches) in length and weighing 60-90 grams. Its plumage is dominated by a rich dark brown with distinctive, heavy black barring across its head, nape, back, and underparts, creating a finely striped appearance. A rufous rump and tail provide a contrasting splash of color, especially noticeable in flight. Key identification...
This species primarily inhabits lowland tropical rainforests, thriving in both terra firme (non-flooded) and várzea (seasonally flooded) forest types, typically found from sea level up to around 1000 meters elevation.
Predominantly insectivorous, its diet includes a wide array of insects (especially beetles, ants, orthopterans, and their larvae), spiders, and occasionally small vertebrates like lizards. It primarily forages by gleaning, probing, and snatching prey flushed by army ant swarms.
The Amazonian Barred Woodcreeper is a diurnal and highly arboreal species, spending its days methodically climbing tree trunks and large branches in a characteristic jerky, spiraling motion. Its primary foraging strategy involves gleaning insects and other arthropods from bark crevices, moss, and...
The Amazonian Barred Woodcreeper is a resident species distributed widely across the lowland Amazon Basin and the Guianas, with its extensive range encompassing parts of Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil. Its northern limit extends into southeastern Colombia, southern Venezu...
Least Concern
- The Amazonian Barred Woodcreeper is one of the most widespread and ecologically significant woodcreepers across the Amazon Basin. - It is a quintessential 'ant-follower,' often seen hopping around the edges of army ant swarms, snatching prey flushed by the ants as they move across the forest fl...