Birds
Plain-Brown Woodcreeper
Dendrocincla fuliginosa · also called plain-brown woodcreepers
Claiming the best perch closest to a marching column of army ants, a plain-brown woodcreeper waits for panicked insects to break cover, its plain, unmarked plumage the understated uniform of one of the rainforest’s most consistently successful ant-following birds.
Overview
The plain-brown woodcreeper, Dendrocincla fuliginosa, is a bark-climbing insectivore native to rainforest habitat across a broad range extending from Mexico through Central America and into much of South America. Its almost entirely plain brown plumage, dominant standing at army ant swarms, and status as one of the most widely distributed woodcreeper species make it one of the more ecologically successful and behaviourally interesting birds found anywhere in the Neotropical forest understorey.
The plainest bird wins the best seat
While many woodcreepers show streaking, spotting, or barred plumage, the plain-brown woodcreeper’s understated brown colouring hides a competitive edge, since this species regularly outcompetes other woodcreepers for the prime feeding positions closest to an advancing army ant swarm.
Status
Least Concern, remaining widespread across suitable rainforest habitat throughout its broad range from Mexico to South America.
Plain-Brown Woodcreeper: common questions
Why is the plain-brown woodcreeper considered so successful at army ant swarms?
This species is considered one of the most dominant woodcreeper species at army ant swarms, typically claiming the best perching positions closest to the advancing ants ahead of other woodcreeper species, giving it privileged access to insects flushed out by the swarm.
How did the plain-brown woodcreeper get its name?
This species has almost entirely plain, unmarked brown plumage lacking the streaking, spotting, or barring seen in many other woodcreeper species, a simple and understated appearance that gives rise to its descriptive common name.
How does the plain-brown woodcreeper climb tree trunks?
This species climbs tree trunks in the spiralling pattern typical of woodcreepers, bracing a stiff tail against the bark for support while probing crevices with its bill for hidden insects, before flying down to the base of a neighbouring tree to begin climbing again.
Where is the plain-brown woodcreeper found?
This species is native to a broad range of rainforest habitat extending from Mexico through Central America and into much of South America, making it one of the most widely distributed woodcreeper species in the entire family.