Brown Creeper

Only the male sings, and usually only on the breeding grounds, though sometimes during migration as well. His song is a jumble of high, thin notes that lasts up to 1.5 seconds, sometimes likened to singing the phrase 'trees, beautiful trees.' Males may join single songs together two or three times in a row.

Partially migratory. Northern populations move south for winter, while southern and western populations may be resident or move to lower elevations. During winter, they often join mixed-species foraging flocks with chickadees, nuthatches, and kinglets.

This species has a strong affinity for mature forests with large trees, which provide both foraging opportunities and nesting sites. It requires large live trees with deeply furrowed bark for foraging (which harbor the highest densities of insects) and large dead or dying trees with loose bark for nesting. While it breeds primarily in coniferous or mixed forests, during winter it becomes more adaptable, appearing in deciduous woodlands, parks, suburbs, and even city areas with sufficient large trees.

Breeds in spring and summer, with males establishing territories through song. In fall and winter, becomes more social, often joining mixed-species flocks. Unlike many birds, Brown Creepers are active throughout the day in all seasons, continuously foraging to meet their energy needs.

A Brown Creeper can disappear against bark until the “bark” starts spiraling upward. Its streaky brown back, slim curved bill, and stiff tail are all built for working methodically up tree trunks.