High in the emerald embrace of the Costa Rican mountains, a flash of cinnamon catches your eye. It’s the Tawny-winged Woodcreeper, a captivating acrobat flitting amongst the branches. This blog post, part of our series on the phenomenal birds of Costa Rica, delves into the fascinating world of this little climber.
A Bird Built for Browsing
The Tawny-winged Woodcreeper (Dendrocincla anabatina) belongs to the ovenbird family, Furnariidae. Measuring a petite 17-19 centimeters (6.7-7.5 inches) with a short tail and a ruffled nape, it’s a master of navigating the vertical world. Its straight, strong bill is perfectly adapted for probing bark and crevices in search of its favorite food – insects and spiders.
Spotting a Tawny Wonder
These birds are a treat for the observant traveler. Look for them in the middle to upper levels of the rainforest canopy, particularly in humid broadleaf forests and foothills. They are more prevalent in the lowlands, with sightings in Costa Rica ranging from the Caribbean slopes to the Pacific coast. If you’re staying in our mountain retreat, keep your eyes peeled as they might grace the trees around the lodge!
A Wardrobe of Browns and Rust
The Tawny-winged Woodcreeper’s plumage is a beautiful blend of browns and rusts, perfectly camouflaging it against the tree bark. Males and females share similar coloring. The head is a rich brown with a buffy eyebrow, and bare gray skin around the eye adds a distinctive touch. The crown, nape, and back are a deep olive-brown, contrasting with the cinnamon-rufous to rufous-chestnut uppertail coverts and tail.
A Life on the Move
Unlike some woodpeckers that drum on trees, the Tawny-winged Woodcreeper is a stealthy hunter. It forages by hopping, climbing, and creeping along trunks and branches, its sharp claws providing excellent grip. Their movements are quick and jerky, often accompanied by short flicks of the tail. Their call is a high-pitched, repeated “tseeet” or “tsip,” helping them stay in contact with each other.
A Species of Least Concern
Thankfully, the Tawny-winged Woodcreeper is listed as “Least Concern” by the IUCN. However, like many rainforest birds, they are susceptible to habitat loss. Here at our retreat, we are committed to sustainable practices that protect the biodiversity of the surrounding mountains.
Your Connection to Costa Rica’s Feathered Friends
We hope this blog post has introduced you to the delightful Tawny-winged Woodcreeper. As you explore the Costa Rican rainforests, keep an eye out for this little acrobat. With a bit of patience and guidance from our experienced naturalists here at the retreat, you might just get a glimpse of this fascinating creature. Stay tuned for our next blog post, where we’ll explore another feathered wonder of Costa Rica!
For more information, please view our comprehensive guide about the birds of Costa Rica
