A Brown Creeper clings to the bark on the weeping willow tree in our back yard. |
I noticed the Brown Creeper was using his tail as a prop, much like a woodpecker does. |
That's a mighty fine pygostyle you've got there...
I recently read in the book Wild Bird Guides: Downy Woodpecker by Gary Ritchison, that the anatomical structure that allows woodpeckers to use their tails as props is called a "pygostyle." A cool name that stuck with me, because when I saw the Brown Creeper using its tail in the same posture, "pygostyle" popped in my head, and I wondered if a Brown Creeper's pygostyle was similar to a woodpecker's. After looking in a few books and doing a few Internet searches, I found it was.
How is it different?
The pygostyle in a bird is made from 4-10 fused posterior caudal vertebrae...basically, it's the bird's tail bone (like our coccyx). The pygostyle and the muscles around it give support to the tail feathers (rectrices), and while all birds have a pygostyle, not all pygostyles are the same. For example, the bones in a woodpecker's and creeper's pygostyle are much larger and the muscles surrounding it are much stronger than those in an average bird's tail. Most birds fly and perch on branches, but woodpeckers and creepers cling to and walk up the vertical surface of a tree trunk. Their tails help them stay in place because they work like a prop. Additionally, these types of birds have the adaptation of very stiff tail feathers, especially the middle feathers...all the better to lean on when clinging to or walking up a tree trunk. If you look closely, the middle feathers are also pointed and curve slightly inward to guarantee the tail makes solid contact with the bark (Ritchison, pg. 10).
Other birds have well-developed pygostyles too, for example, woodland hawks that use their tail feathers for precise steering through branches have well-developed pygostyles, and birds that use their tails for upward lift to help them hover, such as kestrels, do too. If you'd like to see a labeled bird skeleton of the pygostyle, click here and look at #2. (However, if you've ever dressed a turkey or a chicken, you've already seen the pygostyle! It's the "Pope's nose" or the "parson's nose," the colloquialisms for the fleshy triangle at the tail.)
...here you can see the inward curve on the Brown Creeper's middle tail feathers. |
...another adaptation, Brown Creepers have extra long back toe nails, or hind claws, to help them hook into the bark. |
p.s.
The snow blew in another backyard favorite, our American Tree Sparrows (Spizella arborea)! Every year I wait for them to show up, but they never seem to arrive until snow or a severe cold snap moves in. I saw two on Wednesday....exciting. I love the tinkling, sweet calls of a flock of American Tree Sparrows. This afternoon Rick and I went to Armleder Park to look for longspurs, we didn't see those, but we did see and hear hundreds of American Tree Sparrows...what a magical sound!
Click here for an older post on American Tree Sparrows--a favorite winter visitor.
I love your "Brown" Creeper, we call it a Treecreeper. Isn't it fantastic, brilliant photos you took.
ReplyDeleteDifficult bird to take pictures .. Congratulations and best regards ..
ReplyDeleteYou got some AWESOME shots .... and I always get an education when I stop by! Thanks!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a darling little bird. Your images are excellent as always. Beautiful series.
ReplyDeletewonderful images - we see tree creepers around here but not got any on camera yet! Thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteNice catch, Kelly! They blend in so well that I've never been able to get a decent shot of one.
ReplyDeleteLovely photos Kelly. We have the Treecreeper here and they are never easy to photograph. I have never had one in my garden although my friend who lives quite near has!
ReplyDeleteWishing you a very Happy New Year :-)
Lovely images Kelly.
ReplyDeleteI have seen a brown creeper only a couple times in my life! Your photos of him are superb (as always!)
ReplyDeleteExcellent set of shots Kelly.
ReplyDeleteJust like our Treecreeper here.
you got some wonderful shots of this quick, elusive bird! beautiful job!
ReplyDeleteBrown creepers and nuthatches. I love these little scavengers.
ReplyDeleteHi Kelly ...How ironic..I just saw on this morning on the tree in back of the house..I know they are around, but seem to be shy , usually just hear them !!
ReplyDeleteGreat photos and great information ..such a cutie!!
Grace
You got some great pictures of that little Creeper. They usually move up the tree so fast that by the time I have found them in the viewfinder, they are gone.
ReplyDeleteYou achieved some really good shots of this normally uncooperative little bird Kelly.{:))
ReplyDeleteI love creepers. They're fairly regular visitors here along the riverbank…but quick and nearly constant in their movements up and down the trunks, making them tough to photograph. You did an amazing job. Great info, too.
ReplyDeleteFabulous post filled with interesting information and wonderful photographs! I learned something new today from reading your terrific post. These busy little birds are so much fun to watch. I did not realize they have such a long hindclaw. Cool!
ReplyDeleteI saw this bird for the first time this year. He comes to the same oak tree. I haven't been able to take even one photo though. Congrats on your great photos.
ReplyDeleteOutstanding shots! I can only find them if I catch their movement. Ever notice how their plumage looks blurred, even when they are still? Very nice!
ReplyDeleteLove the pictures of the creeper, so well camophlaged. Thanks for the info on this little bird.
ReplyDeleteMost interesting post. These handsome little brown birds always look so busy as they pursue their business spiraling up the tree....
ReplyDeleteAwesome photos and post on the Brown Creeper!
ReplyDeleteGreat photos and info, Kelly! I marvel at Creeper's tail - never realized it was so long!
ReplyDelete...thanks, everyone, for dropping by and leaving your kind words! What cuties these birds are, but they are hard to photograph. Like you've mentioned in your comments, they are so quick and slip on the other side of the tree so easily! I haven't seen him back in the yard since the snow left. I hope he returns!
ReplyDeleteWonderful photos and info Kelly!
ReplyDeleteGreat photos and wonderful write-up! I definitely learned something new from reading it :-)
ReplyDeleteExcellent! Love the brown creeper.
ReplyDelete