Wallcreeper
Image: 管牧山 (cc-by-nc)
NameWallcreeper
Common NameWallcreeper
Scientific NameTichodroma muraria
FamilyTichodromidae
Wingspan (cm)29.5
Length (cm)16.25
Weight (g)17.5
Plumage DetailsAdults have a grey body, black wings with prominent crimson-red patches on the coverts and secondaries, and white spots on the primary flight feathers. The throat is black in breeding males and grey in females and non-breeding males, with a long, slender, downcurved black bill.
Vocalization / CallIts call is a high-pitched, thin, clear whistle, often described as 'tsee-tsee-tsee' or 'tsit-tsit-tsit', sometimes repeated in a series.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsmountain, rocky cliffs, gorges
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in the high mountains of Eurasia, from the Pyrenees across the Alps, Carpathians, and Balkans, through Central Asia to the Himalayas and western China. It descends to lower altitudes in winter.
Identifying Featurescrimson-red wing patches, long, slender, downcurved bill, grey body plumage, creeping behavior on vertical rock faces, white spots on primary feathers
Description
A striking bird of high mountains, the Wallcreeper is known for its unique climbing ability on vertical rock faces, often resembling a large butterfly with its broad, rounded wings. It has a grey body and distinctive crimson patches on its wings, which are particularly visible in flight or when fanned.
