Dendrocolaptidae

Dendrocolaptidae is a group of passerine birds known as woodcreepers. They occur throughout the Americas, mainly in tropical and subtropical forests in Central and South America, with several species extending into the southern United States. They are slender, brownish to olive, camouflaged on tree trunks. A hallmark is adaptation to foraging on vertical surfaces: elongated bills for probing bark and stiff tail feathers to aid clinging. Most have zygodactyl feet.

Taxonomy: Historically treated as a separate family, Dendrocolaptidae. Molecular data place woodcreepers within Furnariidae, usually as the subfamily Dendrocolaptinae, so many authorities no longer recognize Dendrocolaptidae as a distinct family.

Ecology and behavior: They are primarily insectivorous, gleaning arthropods from bark while slowly creeping up trunks. They may join mixed-species flocks; some forage in pairs or family groups. Vocalizations vary but are often high-pitched calls.

Reproduction: Nests are typically in tree cavities or abandoned holes; they build cup nests and lay two to three eggs. Both parents help incubate and feed the young.

Conservation: Habitat loss and fragmentation threaten certain species, especially those with restricted ranges in tropical forests. Overall diversity remains high, but several taxa are of conservation concern.