Point-tailed Palmcreeper

Overview

The point-tailed palmcreeper (Berlepschia rikeri) is a species of ovenbird found in the Guianas and northern South America. It is the only member of its genus and is classified as a species of Least Concern by the IUCN.

Identification

• Body length of 18 to 22 cm with bright chestnut lower back, rump, tail, and wing coverts.
• Black and white streaked crown, upper back, throat, and breast that transition to teardrop markings on the back and spotting on the belly in juveniles.
• Stiffened bases on the pointed tail feathers used for bracing.
• Loud song consisting of 20–30 staccato, strident notes described as "ka-koo, didididididididididi" or "dedede-kee!-kee!-kee!-kee!-kee!-kee!-kee!-kee!".

Habitat

This bird inhabits Mauritia palm swamps and forests, occasionally using areas of other palms, across Amazonian regions of Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela. It typically occurs at elevations below 400 m, though it reaches 650 m in Ecuador.

Diet

The point-tailed palmcreeper feeds on arthropods such as beetles, hemipterans, ants, and spiders. It forages acrobatically in pairs, gleaning from palm branches and fronds while using its tail as a brace and often hanging upside down.

Did you know?

The species is named after ornithologist Hans von Berlepsch, who identified its distinct differences from other similar birds, and C.B. Riker, who collected the type specimen used for its description.