Ruddy Woodcreeper
The Ruddy Woodcreeper is a medium-sized, rufous-plumaged bird found in humid lowland and foothill forests from southern Mexico to the Amazon Basin, characterized by its warm cinnamon-brown coloration, slightly decurved bill, and typical woodcreeper behavior of hitching up tree trunks and branches while foraging for insects in bark crevices.
Dendrocincla homochroa
Scientific Name
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
Family
Passeriformes
Order
D. h. homochroa
Subspecies. Caribbean slope
D. h. ruficeps
Subspecies. Pacific slope
Range and Habitat of Ruddy Woodcreeper
Geographic Range
The Ruddy Woodcreeper ranges from southern Mexico (Veracruz, Oaxaca, Chiapas) through Central America including Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, and into northwestern Colombia and western Ecuador.
Migratory Patterns
This is a non-migratory resident species. However, individuals show regular movements following army ant swarms and may range widely within forest areas tracking ant colony movements.
Preferred Habitat
The Ruddy Woodcreeper inhabits humid primary forests, mature secondary forests, forest edges, and gallery forests. It shows preference for forests with closed canopy and minimal understory disturbance.
Altitude Range
Globally, it occurs from sea level to 2,400 m elevation. In Costa Rica, it is most common from sea level to 1,500 m, occasionally reaching 2,000 m in suitable habitat.
Costa Rica Habitat
Globally, it occurs from sea level to 2,400 m elevation. In Costa Rica, it is most common from sea level to 1,500 m, occasionally reaching 2,000 m in suitable habitat. Notable locations include La Selva Biological Station, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Braulio Carrillo National Park, Carara National Park, Corcovado National Park, Santa Rosa National Park, Tapantí National Park, and forests throughout the Sarapiquí region.
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Conservation Status
Population Status
Costa Rican populations remain healthy in protected areas with densities of 5-10 pairs per km² in optimal habitat.
The species faces habitat loss from deforestation and forest fragmentation that disrupts army ant colonies.
Conservation efforts
The Ruddy Woodcreeper is well-protected in Costa Rica's extensive national park system.
Primary Threats
The species faces habitat loss from deforestation and forest fragmentation that disrupts army ant colonies.
Ruddy Woodcreeper Identification
How to Identify the Species
Rarity Level:
CommonBest Viewing Times:
Early Morning (Dawn - 8 AM)
Size
Length: 19-21 cm; Males weigh 35-42 g while females weigh 32-38 g
Plumage
Adults display uniform ruddy-brown to rufous-brown coloration throughout, with slightly brighter rufous tones on the wings and tail.
Distinctive Features
No distinct markings, streaks, or spots are present, making this one of the plainest woodcreepers.
Sexual Dimorphism
Sexual dimorphism is minimal. Males average slightly larger than females, particularly in bill length, but differences are not reliable for field identification. No plumage differences exist between sexes.
Diet and Feeding Behavior
Primary Diet
- The Ruddy Woodcreeper feeds primarily on arthropods fleeing from army ant swarms, including spiders, roaches, crickets, beetles, and various insect larvae.
Foraging Techniques
- This is a regular army ant follower, clings to vertical trunks 0.5-3 meters above ground at ant swarms, sallying down to capture fleeing prey.
Feeding Times
- Activity peaks during morning hours from 6:00-11:00 when army ants are most active. The bird forages throughout the day when following ant swarms but shows reduced midday activity when foraging independently.
Behavior Patterns
Ruddy Woodcreeper
Social Structure
Usually solitary or in pairs at ant swarms, the species maintains a dominance hierarchy with other ant-following birds. Multiple individuals (up to 6-8) may attend the same ant swarm but maintain individual distances.
Song and Vocalization
The primary vocalization is a loud, descending trill “treeeeeeeer” lasting 2-3 seconds. It produces a sharp “keek” or “kyik” call note, often given in series.
Courtship and Mating Ritual
Courtship involves males following females closely while giving soft calls. Mutual preening strengthens pair bonds. Males perform wing-quivering displays near females and engage in courtship feeding.
Territoriality
Pairs defend territories of 4-8 hectares year-round, with boundaries often overlapping at ant swarm attendance areas. The species shows aggressive displacement of conspecifics at ant swarms and uses vocal displays and chases to maintain territory boundaries.
Birdwatching Tips
Best Locations for Spotting Ruddy Woodcreeper
Prime sites include
- La Selva Biological Station forest trails
- Braulio Carrillo National Park Quebrada González sector
- Carara National Park primary forest trails
- Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve lower elevations
- Corcovado National Park Sirena station area
- Rara Avis Reserve, Sarapiquí region forests
- Pipeline Road at various lodges
Best Time of the Year
The species can be observed year-round, but breeding season from February to May offers increased vocal activity. Early morning from 6:00-10:00 provides best ant swarm activity.
Common Behavior
Listen for the commotion of antbirds at army ant swarms. Look for birds hitching up tree trunks in characteristic woodcreeper fashion. Check vertical trunks and large branches 1-5 meters above ground.
Recommended Gear
8×42 binoculars for forest interior viewing
Breeding and Nesting Behavior
Breeding Season
Breeding occurs primarily during the dry and early wet season. In Costa Rica, nesting spans from February to June, with peak activity in March-April.
Nesting Sites
The Ruddy Woodcreeper nests in natural tree cavities, old woodpecker holes, or rotted hollow stubs, typically 2-15 meters above ground. Little to no nest material is added, with eggs laid directly on wood chips or debris in the cavity.
Clutch Size
2-3 white eggs, typically 2
Incubation Period
15-17 days
Parental Care
Both parents share incubation duties and feeding of nestlings. Young are fed primarily arthropods captured at ant swarms. Fledging occurs at 18-21 days. Parents continue to feed fledglings for 4-6 weeks, teaching them ant-following techniques.
Did You Know?
Interesting Behaviors
The Ruddy Woodcreeper can track army ant colonies over several days, remembering bivouac locations. It maintains a mental map of multiple ant colonies within its territory. Some individuals specialize in robbing prey from other ant-following birds. The species has been observed using tools (twigs) to extract insects from crevices.
Cultural Significance
The name “subepalo” (climb-stick) perfectly describes its trunk-climbing behavior. Indigenous peoples use woodcreeper calls to locate army ant swarms for collecting insects. The bird appears in Costa Rican nature art as a symbol of forest integrity.
Surprising Traits
The bird can sleep while clinging vertically to tree trunks.
How do I identify this bird?
Look for a medium-sized, entirely ruddy-brown to rufous-brown bird climbing up tree trunks. The complete lack of streaking, spotting, or distinct markings distinguishes it from all other Costa Rican woodcreepers. The straight, stout bill and upright climbing posture are characteristic.
Where is the best place to see it in Costa Rica?
La Selva Biological Station offers excellent opportunities, especially when army ant swarms are active. Any lowland or foothill forest with good ant-following bird activity is promising.
Is it endangered?
No, the Ruddy Woodcreeper is listed as Least Concern with stable populations. However, its dependence on army ants makes it sensitive to forest fragmentation. The species requires intact forest with healthy ant colonies to thrive.