What is a Brown Creeper?

A year round resident of Vermont's forests. Brown Creepers are a small and energetic birds that hunt along the trunks of trees for insects and their like. Unlike a nuthatch, which hunts moving down a tree, the brown creeper flies to near the base of each tree and hunts climbing up the tree. Each species hunting style gives them a unique viewing angle and therefore each can spot bugs hiding in different crevices. A handsome mottled brown back gives brown creepers great camouflage, especially when on a tree trunk and sitting still. Their curved bill has evolved to allow quick and easy extraction of insects from craggy bark. The brown creeper is the friend of the trees, doing their part to keep pest species under control.

Below: A brown creeper hunts on a tree near the Peavine Park in Stockbridge, VT.

February 21, 2024

Even the smallest prey are gathered.

This creeper uses its long strong tail to brace against the tree.

Using its tail (like a woodpecker) to continuously brace against wears on the tips of the feathers.

Mossy areas of trees are excellent hiding spots for insects.

Upside down. No problem.

Brown Creeper gathering food for chicks. May 2023.

Always creeping. The shadowy form walks up the bark of a large tree.

Brown creepers focus their search for pray on the lichen and moss (north) side of tree trunks.

Below: A brown creeper catching insects during the winter. How can any insect survive on these trees with hunters like this around?