dendrocolaptids

Dendrocolaptidae is a family of passerine birds commonly known as woodcreepers. These birds are found in the Neotropics, ranging from southern Mexico to northern Argentina. They are characterized by their stiff tail feathers, which they use to brace themselves against tree trunks and branches as they climb. Their long, often decurved bills are adapted for probing into bark crevices and epiphytes to extract insects and other invertebrates, their primary food source.

Woodcreepers exhibit a variety of plumage patterns, often featuring brown or reddish-brown coloration with streaks or spots, providing effective camouflage against tree bark. They are typically solitary or found in pairs, and their movements on tree trunks are often described as woodpecker-like, though they do not excavate cavities like woodpeckers. They are insectivorous, feeding on arthropods such as beetles, ants, spiders, and caterpillars. Some species may also consume small fruits or nectar.

The family contains numerous genera and species, with significant variation in size, bill shape, and coloration across the group. Their nesting habits vary, with some species nesting in natural cavities, while others utilize abandoned woodpecker holes or create their own simple nests in bark crevices. Woodcreepers play a role in forest ecosystems by controlling insect populations.