Strong-billed Woodcreeper

The strong-billed woodcreeper, Xiphocolaptes promeropirhynchus, stands as one of the most robust members of the ovenbird family, Furnariidae. This species exhibits a remarkable heft, being the heaviest woodcreeper, though it is surpassed in length by the slender long-billed woodcreeper and in overall size by the great rufous woodcreeper. Adult specimens typically measure between 28 to 31.5 cm in length, with weights spanning from 103 to 144 grams.

Identification Tips

Both male and female strong-billed woodcreepers share similar plumage. The adult's crown and nape are adorned with dark brown feathers, highlighted by buff streaks. The face is predominantly dusky, complemented by buffy lores, supercilium, "moustache", and throat stripe. The back, scapulars, and wing coverts are brown with subtle buff streaks on the shoulders. The lower back transitions into a russet hue, deepening to a rufous chestnut on the rump. The tail feathers are a dark chestnut with lighter shafts. Flight feathers are tawny brown with dusky tips and rufous chestnut inner webs. The throat is a plain buffy color, while the breast and flanks are brownish, and the belly and undertail coverts are tawny cinnamon with small dark spots or bars. The bill is long, stout, and slightly decurved, ranging in color from gray to black. Eyes may be dark brown, amber, or red, and the legs and feet can be bluish gray, green, or grayish black.

Habitat

The strong-billed woodcreeper is found in a diverse array of forested environments, from primary forest interiors to mature secondary forests. It tends to avoid fragmented forests and plantations. In Middle America, it is often seen in montane forests, particularly oak and pine-oak associations, as well as lowland rainforests and pine-dominated ridges. In the Amazon Basin, it prefers humid terra firme and várzea forests.

Distribution

This species has a broad distribution across the Americas, from Mexico through Central America and into South America, including countries such as Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, and Venezuela.

Behaviour

The strong-billed woodcreeper is a permanent resident within its range. It is known to forage alone or in pairs, sometimes joining mixed-species feeding flocks. It feeds on arthropods and small vertebrates, often foraging on the ground or low trunks during army ant swarms, and reaching up to the subcanopy when foraging independently.

Song & calls

Vocalizations of the strong-billed woodcreeper vary among populations but generally consist of a series of long, ringing, descending disyllabic whistles. The song is most often heard at dawn and dusk.

Breeding

The species is believed to be socially monogamous, with both sexes contributing to nest building and care of the young. Nesting seasons vary by region, with known nests being lined with leaves on the floor of nest boxes. Clutch sizes range from two to three eggs, with fledging occurring approximately three to four weeks after hatching.

Similar Species

The strong-billed woodcreeper can be differentiated from other woodcreepers by its size, weight, and distinctive plumage patterns.

Diet and Feeding

Its diet primarily consists of arthropods and occasionally small vertebrates. The strong-billed woodcreeper is an adept forager, utilizing various techniques such as probing and gleaning from foliage, bark, and other surfaces.

Conservation status

The IUCN has classified the strong-billed woodcreeper as Least Concern due to its extensive range and large population. However, there is concern over habitat loss due to deforestation and other human activities, which may pose future threats to the species.