The Brown Creeper (Certhia americana) is a small, inconspicuous songbird found in forested areas of Arizona, particularly in the higher elevations of the “Sky Islands” and the Mogollon Rim. It is well adapted to coniferous and mixed woodlands, where it spends much of its time climbing up tree trunks in a spiraling fashion while probing bark crevices for insects and spiders. Measuring about 5 inches in length, with a thin, downcurved bill and mottled brown-and-white plumage, it blends almost perfectly with the bark it clings to, making it difficult to spot.
In Arizona, Brown Creepers are primarily residents of pine, spruce, and fir forests above 5,000 feet, though they may also descend to lower elevations during winter. Their presence is most reliably noted in mountain ranges such as the Chiricahuas, Santa Catalinas, Huachucas, and the White Mountains. Their high-pitched, thin calls often give them away before they are seen. Unlike many other small birds, Brown Creepers nest behind loose pieces of bark or in natural cavities, where they lay 3 to 7 eggs.
Although not a common species across the state, Certhia americana is a regular breeder in Arizona’s mountain forests and can be encountered year-round in suitable habitat.
