High in the canopy of the Costa Rican rainforest, a flash of brown catches your eye. It darts upwards, a long, thin tail trailing behind it. This is the Long-tailed Woodcreeper, a fascinating little bird that frequents the mountain forests around our retreat.

A Master of Climbing

The Long-tailed Woodcreeper, with its scientific name Deconychura longicauda, is a true acrobat of the avian world. Its slender body, measuring just 16-21 cm (6.3-8.3 inches) in length, is perfectly adapted for navigating the vertical world of trees. Unlike many birds that hop from branch to branch, the Long-tailed Woodcreeper utilizes its sharp claws and stiff tail feathers for exceptional climbing.

Watch closely as it maneuvers up a tree trunk. Its feet grip the bark with remarkable strength, and its tail acts as a counterbalance, allowing it to defy gravity with ease. It spirals its way upwards, meticulously inspecting every nook and cranny for hidden treats.

Spotting a Long-tailed Woodcreeper

These birds are more commonly heard than seen. Their high-pitched, whistled calls, often described as “pee-pee-tsee” or “tsee-tsee-tsee,” echo through the forest. But with a little patience, you might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse.

Look for small, olive-brown birds with a darker crown and nape streaked with buff. Their underparts are often a lighter brown, sometimes with faint buffy spots on the breast. A distinguishing feature is the whitish to buffy eyebrow stripe, adding a touch of contrast to their face.

A Forest Forager

The Long-tailed Woodcreeper is an insectivore, playing a vital role in maintaining the health of the rainforest ecosystem. Their long, pointed bills are perfect for probing under bark and in crevices, where they extract a variety of insects, spiders, and other invertebrates. They may also glean insects from leaves or snatch them in mid-flight.

Following the Flock

The Long-tailed Woodcreeper is often found foraging in mixed-species flocks. These groups of birds, composed of different species, work together to find food more efficiently. The various birds have different foraging techniques and preferred niches within the forest, allowing them to collectively cover more ground and uncover a wider variety of prey.

A Resident of the Mountains

While some woodcreeper species can be found in the lowlands of Costa Rica, the Long-tailed Woodcreeper prefers the cooler, higher-altitude forests. This makes them a common sight around our mountain retreat. If you’re here to experience the wonders of the Costa Rican rainforest, keep your eyes peeled (and ears tuned) for this fascinating little climber!

Next time, on the Costa Rican Retreat Blog: We’ll delve into the world of another captivating rainforest resident. Stay tuned!

For more information, please view our comprehensive guide about the birds of Costa Rica

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