Dusky-capped Woodcreeper

Overview

The dusky-capped woodcreeper (Lepidocolaptes fuscicapillus) is a smallish bird in the ovenbird family Furnariidae, found in Bolivia and Brazil. It is assessed as Least Concern by the IUCN, although its population is believed to be decreasing due to threats to primary forests.

Identification

• A smallish, slim bird with a slim decurved bill.
• Plumage features a grayish brown crown and nape, warm brown back, and brown underparts with blackish-edged whitish streaks.
• Song consists of a series of 3–9 well-spaced sharp whistles, described as 'peeer peeer peeer peeer peeeur', and a loud, clear descending rattle initiated by a steep rising 'Kwirrrr!'.

Habitat

This species is found in the Amazon Basin of northeastern Bolivia and western Brazil, inhabiting terra firme and floodplain forests. It favours the interior and edges of tall primary and mature secondary forests, and seldom exceeds an elevation of 700 m.

Diet

Primarily arthropodivorous, it forages singly or in pairs and joins mixed-species feeding flocks. It hitches along branches, often on their underside, and takes prey from bark by picking, probing, and prying off flakes.

Did you know?

The species was only formally separated from the lineated woodcreeper in the 2010s, after being considered a subspecies for many years.