Detection is the biggest challenge; once the small, camouflaged bird is seen crawling up the tree trunk, the birds’ shape, coloration and distinct “creeping” behavior clinch the identification. Only the slow and steady progression upwards and the swift flight back to the base of the trunk give away its location. These birds are usually seen alone or in small groups of less than five birds. They forage along tree trunks and branches for insects and will hold their long tails against a tree trunk for support as if it were a third leg. Because of this, they can only move upward in a tree, never downward like a nuthatch. They are most likely attracted to suet feeders placed on the trunk of a tree. Sometimes brown creepers join mixed-species flocks made up of Carolina chickadees, tufted titmice and nuthatches.
