Wallcreeper

Tichodroma muraria

(T. m. muraria)

Armenian Name: Կարմրաթև մագլցող
Species Status: Threatened Species - Species of Special Concern
Wallcreeper

See Plate 53 for Wallcreeper and other similar species

Resident Status: Year-round resident
Abundance: Rare
Length:16.5 cm, Wing Span:27-32 cm
Distribution Map: Map 304.
Description: Agile dark rock climber with long decurved bill, and broad rounded wings with large red patches; white spots on outerwing visible in flight.
Adult (Breeding): Male has black chin, throat, and breast. Female has off-white chin and throat. Whitish breast sometimes shows dark central patch.
Adult (Non-breeding): Both sexes similar to breeding female.
Behavior: Hops up and along cliffs searching for food; repeatedly flicks wings half-open to the side. Flight slow with deep irregular wing beats.
Habitat: Mountain cliffs; more widespread in winter, descending to river gorges.
Food: Small invertebrates.
Nest: Cup of moss, lichens, and grass in rock crevice.
Eggs: 21 mm, 4-5, white, red blotches.