Birda Logo
Features
Birda+
About
Species Guide
Challenges
Shop
loading...
A photo of a Wallcreeper (Tichodroma muraria), male
Wallcreeper, Male

Wallcreeper

Tichodroma muraria

The Wallcreeper, Tichodroma muraria, is a diminutive passerine bird, the sole extant representative of the genus Tichodroma and the family Tichodromidae. It is adorned with a blue-grey plumage, but its most captivating feature is the crimson wings, a vibrant display largely concealed when at rest.

Identification Tips

This bird measures approximately 15.5–17 centimeters in length and weighs between 17–19 grams. The Wallcreeper's wings, when unfurled, reveal a stunning crimson that dominates the covert feathers and the basal halves of the primaries and secondaries. The subspecies T. m. nepalensis is noted for being slightly darker than the nominate race.

Habitat

The Wallcreeper is a denizen of high mountainous regions, favoring rocky outcrops and cliffs. It is known to breed at altitudes ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 meters.

Distribution

The species is widespread across the high mountains of the Palearctic, from southern Europe to central China. It is largely sedentary, but some populations move to lower altitudes during winter months.

Behaviour

This species exhibits a remarkable tameness, yet it can be elusive, often blending seamlessly with the mountainous terrain it inhabits. Wallcreepers are territorial; pairs defend their breeding territory in summer, while individuals maintain separate feeding territories in winter.

Song & Calls

The Wallcreeper's vocalizations consist of a high-pitched, protracted whistle, with notes that fluctuate in pitch. Both sexes sing, with females typically vocalizing in defense of their winter feeding territories.

Breeding

Nests are constructed by the female, hidden within rock crevices or caves, and lined with soft materials such as feathers. Clutches usually contain 4–5 eggs, which are incubated for 19–20 days. Both parents tend to the altricial young until they fledge after 28–30 days.

Diet and Feeding

An insectivorous bird, the Wallcreeper feeds on invertebrates gleaned from rock faces, occasionally pursuing flying insects from a perch.

Conservation status

The Wallcreeper is currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating a stable population without significant immediate threats to its survival.

App logo
Birda is a birdwatching app and community aimed at curious people who want to deepen their connection with nature.

Wallcreepers on Birda

Photos
Sightings
Birda Logo

Your birdwatching journey like never before

Connect with nature in minutes
Take a walk, look out of the window and log the birds that you see. Feel good about those little connections to nature.
Discover the joy of birding
Find new birding spots, see more birds, share and celebrate with a like-minded community of nature lovers.
Play your part in saving nature
Logging your birding sightings and sessions turns into positive action for our planet. Every sighting counts.

Birda Blog

What Our Birders Say
Birdafan
Ideal Birdwatch Companion
Simply adds to the enjoyment of my birdwatching and helps me record what I’ve seen.
Emma L
App got me interested in birding!
Super friendly community <3 This app got me interested in birding! It teaches me cool stuff and its super friendly, and fun :) The species guide is really developing my knowledge, and i love seeing cool new birds from round the world!
Safira V
Birding and wellbeing app
Birda is an excellent platform to share your love of Birding and is a great tool of encouragement for a Birding Beginner like me. Birda has a very kind and supportive community of Birding enthusiasts. For me BIRDA is not only a BIRDING but also a WELLBEING App.
Pdydhdrexgi
Fantastic App
This is a really lovely app, for everyone interested in birds - from newbies to old hands. There is a very friendly feel to the community and you will genuinely learn a lot as you record your sightings and photos. There are lots of badges and competitions to keep you engaged, and a host of really useful features.
JCBirding
Just what birding needs
We need more fun in birding, for years it has had a reputation for being up tight and stuffy and only perused by retirees and anoraks. Birda helps change that perception and firmly brings birding into the 21st century! Fun, interactive while still contributing to science and conservation. If you aren’t on it, why not??
Marlster24
Recommend for any bird watcher
Very wholesome app: I joined this app with a new interest in watching birds to help me find out what I was spotting. The community is very active in helping identify birds which is great and everyone is very kind so it’s just a nice wholesome community. I would definitely recommend this for any bird spotter 😃
Anonymous
The best bird logging app
Birda is honestly the best bird logging app I have seen. I love all the features it has from being able to do a session and log all the birds you see in one sitting, to being able to connect with other birders from all over the globe!
BCHphotography_
Such a great app!
I didn’t think I could enjoy birding more but this app makes it so much better. Some great features and a really great way to share your sightings with your friends or fellow birders nearby or around the world! ❤️
Chudbond
Love Birda
I love this app. It really encourages you to log your sightings and the community is friendly and helpful.
Louise L
Easy to use and accurate
Love this app. It is easy to use and accurate, Their backup communication is really good. I noted a missing species. All through the process, I was kept informed about the progress in correcting the information. I now have the corrected, updated version. 😁 Thanks!
As featured in
Birda Logo
AboutPressAmbassadorsAffiliatesInfluencersCareersPrivacyTerms & Conditions
An app for birdwatchers
Connect with us
Copyright © 2024 Chirp Birding. All rights reserved.