Tawny-winged Woodcreeper vs Plain-brown Woodcreeper

In short

The Tawny-winged Woodcreeper and Plain-brown Woodcreeper are similar in appearance but can be distinguished by their bill shape and plumage details. The Tawny-winged has a straight bill and a slightly crested appearance, while the Plain-brown features a black bill and a prominent malar stripe. Both species are found in forested habitats but differ in their specific preferences.

Identification tips

1. Bill Shape: Tawny-winged has a straight bill; Plain-brown has a black bill. 2. Crested Appearance: Tawny-winged appears slightly crested. 3. Plumage: Look for the Tawny-winged's paler supercilium and throat versus the Plain-brown's rufescent tones and malar stripe. 4. Habitat: Note the Tawny-winged's preference for humid forests and foothills.

Size

Both species are similar in size, typical of woodcreepers, with no significant size difference noted.

Plumage

The Tawny-winged Woodcreeper has dark olive-brown plumage with a paler supercilium and throat, and a slightly crested appearance. The Plain-brown Woodcreeper is more rufescent above and below, with a weak supercilium and a prominent malar stripe.

Behaviour

Both species forage for arthropods and small vertebrates, but the Plain-brown Woodcreeper is often seen around army ants and in mixed-species flocks, while the Tawny-winged is less associated with ant swarms.

Habitat

The Tawny-winged Woodcreeper prefers humid evergreen forests, mangroves, and semi-deciduous growth, mainly in lowlands but also in foothills up to 1500 m. The Plain-brown Woodcreeper is found in similar forested habitats but is not as specific in its elevation range.