White-throated Treecreeper on a tree trunk.
Photo: K Vang and W Dabrowka / Bird Explorers © K Vang and W Dabrowka / Bird Explorers
White-throated Treecreeper.
Photo: K Vang and W Dabrowka / Bird Explorers © K Vang and W Dabrowka / Bird Explorers
Distribution map of Cormobates leucophaeus
Map © Birds Australia Birdata
White-throated Treecreeper
Scientific name: Cormobates leucophaeus
Family: Climacteridae
Order: Passeriformes
- Featured Bird Groups
- Small insect-eating birds
What does it look like?
Description
The White-throated Treecreeper is dark brown, with a distinctive white throat and chest, and white streaks on its flanks, edged with black. The wings have a red bar that is visible in flight and the undertail is barred. The female has an orange mark on the sides of the face. Like other treecreepers, spends most of its time foraging in trees and has a short, spiralling flight.
Similar species
The Red-browed Treecreeper C. erythrops has a red face and brow and a striped belly.
Where does it live?
Distribution
The White-throated Treecreeper is found in south-eastern and southern mainland Australia, from the Tropic of Capricorn to south-eastern South Australia, mostly on the eastern side of the Great Dividing Range.
Habitat
The White-throated Treecreeper prefers forests, including rainforests, woodlands and timbered river areas. Rarely seen on the ground, it lives in permanent territories.
Seasonal movements
Sedentary.
What does it do?
Feeding
The White-throated Treecreeper feeds mainly on ants, but will eat other invertebrates as well as nectar.
Breeding
The female White-throated Treecreeper builds the nest and incubates the eggs, but both sexes care for the young. Two broods may be raise in a season. The nest is made in a tree cavity, which is lined with bark, fur and hair.
References
Longmore, N.W. 1991. The Honeyeaters and their Allies of Australia. Angus and Robertson and The National Photographic Index of Australian Wildlife, Sydney.
Simpson, K and Day, N. 1999. Field guide to the birds of Australia, 6th Edition. Penguin Books, Australia.
Rowland, P. 1996. A Photographic Guide to Birds of Australia. Australian Museum/New Holland.