White-throated Treecreeper

The White-throated Treecreeper, Cormobates leucophaea, is a small passerine bird native to the forests of eastern Australia. It is distinguished by its brown and white plumage, with a length averaging 15 cm. This bird is not to be confused with treecreepers of the northern hemisphere, as it is unrelated.

Identification Tips

Adults possess a striking white throat and breast, with dark-brown and white barred belly and flanks. The upperparts are a dark greyish brown, and a buff patch can be seen on the wings. The bill and feet are black. Females are identifiable by a pale orange-brown patch on the cheek. Juveniles can be recognized by their orange-brown rump and white scapular markings.

Habitat

The White-throated Treecreeper favors wet sclerophyll forests and rainforests, where it can be seen actively foraging.

Distribution

This species is found from the Gulf St Vincent in South Australia, through Victoria, eastern New South Wales, and into southeastern Queensland, with populations extending north to Cooktown.

Behaviour

The White-throated Treecreeper is a solitary bird, not engaging in cooperative breeding like some of its relatives. It is adept at scaling tree trunks in search of food.

Song & Calls

Its vocalizations consist of a series of shrill peeping sounds, which can be heard echoing through its forest habitat.

Breeding

Breeding occurs from August to December, with nests built in tree hollows. The nests are cup-shaped, made from fur, hair, feathers, and moss. Clutches usually contain two to three creamy-white eggs, sparsely spotted with dark purple or red-brown.

Similar Species

While similar in habit to other treecreepers, the White-throated Treecreeper can be distinguished by the absence of a pale eyebrow and its unique plumage pattern.

Diet and Feeding

This bird primarily feeds on ants and other insects, but will also consume nectar. It shows a preference for foraging on rough-barked eucalypt trees.

Conservation Status

The White-throated Treecreeper is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating a stable population. It is protected under the National Parks and Wildlife Act of 1974 in Australia.