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Brown Creeper Identification

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The Four Keys to ID

  • Size & Shape

    Brown Creepers are tiny yet lanky songbirds. They have long, spine-tipped tails, slim bodies, and slender, decurved bills.

    Relative Size

    Smaller than a White-breasted Nuthatch; larger than a Golden-crowned Kinglet.

    Relative Sizesparrow or smallersparrow-sized or smaller

    Measurements
    • Both Sexes
      • Length: 4.7-5.5 in (12-14 cm)
      • Weight: 0.2-0.3 oz (5-10 g)
      • Wingspan: 6.7-7.9 in (17-20 cm)

Regional Differences

Brown Creepers vary somewhat in color and voice across their range. The most noticeable is the “Mexican” Brown Creeper, which ranges into southeastern Arizona and New Mexico. It tends to be darker on the back than creepers in other parts of North America.