High up in the lush Costa Rican rainforest, a tiny acrobat silently scales the towering trees. This is the Olivaceous Woodcreeper, a common yet unobtrusive resident of the mountain forests surrounding our retreat. While not as brightly colored as some of its avian neighbors, this little wonder is a fascinating example of adaptation and perseverance.
A Tiny Climber with a Big Range
The Olivaceous Woodcreeper (Sittasomus griseicapillus) is a passerine bird, belonging to the subfamily Dendrocolaptinae of the ovenbird family (Furnariidae). Believe it or not, it’s one of the smallest members of its group! Its slim body, typically between 13 and 19 cm (5.2 to 7.6 inches) long, and short, straight bill allow it to navigate the intricate nooks and crannies of the forest canopy.
Despite its diminutive size, the Olivaceous Woodcreeper has an impressive range. You can find this little climber throughout Costa Rica, from the central valley region where our retreat is nestled, all the way south through every Central American country and much of South America. They’re even spotted on the island of Tobago!
Unassuming But Unmistakable
Unlike many woodcreepers, the Olivaceous Woodcreeper boasts a plumage that’s more subtle than spectacular. Its head and underparts are a plain gray, and its wings and tail are a muted rufous. This coloration provides excellent camouflage amidst the leaves and branches. Keep your eyes peeled for a flash of rufous or a quick flick of the tail as this little acrobat searches for food.
One of the easiest ways to identify the Olivaceous Woodcreeper is by its behavior. It’s a champion climber, using its strong legs and sharp claws to meticulously explore the vertical world of the trees. Unlike some woodcreepers that spiral as they ascend, the Olivaceous Woodcreeper moves in straight lines, flitting upwards with impressive agility. You might even see it hang upside down, clinging precariously to the underside of a branch as it searches for insects and spiders hidden in the bark.
A Solitary or Social Butterfly (of the Tree Kind)
The Olivaceous Woodcreeper can often be found foraging alone. However, it’s not uncommon to see them join mixed-species flocks, which are groups of different bird species that travel and forage together. Being part of a flock can offer some safety in numbers, as more eyes are looking out for predators.
A Resident You Can Look Out For
The Olivaceous Woodcreeper is a year-round resident in Costa Rica, so you have a good chance of spotting it during your stay at our mountain retreat. Keep your eyes peeled as you explore the forest trails, and listen for its thin, high-pitched call that sounds a bit like “tseeet.” With a little patience and a keen eye, you might just catch a glimpse of this fascinating little acrobat as it scales the towering trees around you.
Beyond the Blog
If you’re lucky enough to spot an Olivaceous Woodcreeper during your visit, be sure to share your sighting with our staff! Our naturalists on-site are always eager to hear about the wildlife guests encounter. They may even be able to help you identify other interesting birds you see during your stay. So, keep your binoculars handy, explore the trails with a sense of wonder, and see how many feathered friends you can discover in the magnificent Costa Rican rainforest.
For more information, please view our comprehensive guide about the birds of Costa Rica
This post is also available in: Français (French) Español (Spanish)
