Rusty-flanked Treecreeper
NameRusty-flanked Treecreeper
Common NameRusty-flanked Treecreeper
Scientific NameCerthia nipalensis
FamilyCerthiidae
Wingspan (cm)17
Length (cm)13
Weight (g)10
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are mottled brown with pale streaks, providing camouflage. It features a prominent whitish supercilium, a dark eye-stripe, and pale underparts that contrast with distinctive rusty-buff flanks. The tail is long, stiff, and brownish.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalizations typically include high-pitched, thin 'tsee' or 'sree' notes, often repeated. It also has a soft, trilling song.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, mountain
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in the Himalayan region, extending from northern India and Nepal eastward through Bhutan to parts of southern China (Yunnan, Sichuan) and northern Myanmar.
Identifying FeaturesLong, slender, downcurved bill, Rusty-buff flanks, Prominent whitish supercilium, Mottled brown and streaked upperparts, Stiff tail feathers used for support while climbing, Characteristic spiraling movement up tree trunks
Description
The Rusty-flanked Treecreeper is a small, slender passerine bird known for its habit of spiraling up tree trunks in search of insects. It possesses cryptic brown plumage that provides excellent camouflage against tree bark, and a distinctive long, downcurved bill.
