Wallcreeper
Image: 管牧山 (cc-by-nc)
NameWallcreeper
Common NameWallcreeper
Scientific NameTichodroma muraria
FamilyTichodromidae
Wingspan (cm)27
Length (cm)16
Weight (g)18
Plumage DetailsAdults have grey upperparts, a black face and throat (more prominent in breeding males), and a white belly. The most striking feature is the large crimson patches on the wings, which are visible in flight and when the wings are partially spread, contrasting with black primaries marked with white spots.
Vocalization / CallIts call is a thin, high-pitched whistle, often described as a 'tsee' or 'tsit', sometimes repeated.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsrocky mountains, cliffs, gorges, quarries, old buildings
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeDiscontinuous range across the mountainous regions of southern and central Eurasia, from the Pyrenees and Alps eastward through the Himalayas to China.
Identifying Featurescrimson wing patches, long, slender, downcurved bill, grey body, climbing vertical rock faces, butterfly-like flight
Description
The Wallcreeper is a small, distinctive bird renowned for its unique climbing ability on vertical rock faces, often described as moving like a butterfly. It uses its long, slender, downcurved bill to probe crevices for insects and spiders.
