Hodgson's Treecreeper

The Hodgson's treecreeper, a small passerine bird, measures a modest 12.5 cm in length. Its plumage is a blend of brown hues with streaks of lighter and darker shades above, while its underparts and supercilium are an understated off-white. Notably, it is distinguished by a rufous rump that contrasts with its overall brown upperparts. This bird is equipped with a long, curved bill and tail feathers that are stiff and supportive.

Identification Tips

When observing the Hodgson's treecreeper, look for its brownish appearance with streaked patterns, a distinctive rufous rump, and a long, down-curved bill. Its stiff tail feathers are a key characteristic, aiding in its vertical tree-climbing behavior.

Habitat

This treecreeper favors temperate to cool tropical montane forests. It is predominantly found in coniferous woodlands but may descend to oak and rhododendron woodlands during the winter months.

Distribution

The Hodgson's treecreeper graces the southern rim of the Himalayas, with its presence recorded in Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan.

Behaviour

A resident bird, the Hodgson's treecreeper uses its stiff tail feathers to ascend tree trunks in search of arthropod prey. It is known to nest in tree crevices, laying clutches typically consisting of 4–6 eggs, which are pinkish-white and adorned with reddish-brown blotches.

Song & Calls

The vocal repertoire of this species begins with two "shree" calls, followed by a warbling sequence and concluding with two notes that slur up and down. The entire song spans approximately 2 to 2.5 seconds, with a pitch that descends from around 7.5 kHz to 4 kHz.

Breeding

Breeding behavior includes nesting in tree crevices and laying a clutch of 4–6 eggs, which are pinkish-white with reddish-brown blotches.

Similar Species

While similar to the common treecreeper (C. familiaris), the Hodgson's treecreeper can be distinguished by its browner upperparts and rufous rump.

Diet and Feeding

The diet consists primarily of arthropods, which the Hodgson's treecreeper seeks out by creeping up tree trunks using its stiff tail feathers for support.

Conservation status

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified the Hodgson's treecreeper as a Species of Least Concern, indicating a stable population despite potential long-term risks of habitat fragmentation.