White-browed Treecreeper

1. Prominent white eyebrow contrasting with black facial markings

2. Bold black and white striped underparts on belly and flanks

3. Slender, straight black bill; juveniles have duller markings and pale bill

These birds feed mainly on ants and other invertebrates, gleaning prey from bark and leaf litter. Their climbing style is distinctive, moving their feet in a slow “inching” manner up tree trunks. They also forage on the ground, particularly among fallen logs. White-browed Treecreepers are usually seen alone, in pairs, or small family groups, and sometimes join mixed-species insectivore flocks in winter. Breeding occurs from July to November. They nest in tree hollows 2 to 5 metres above ground, building shallow saucer-shaped nests lined with feathers and fur. Females lay 1- 3 pinkish-white eggs with reddish spots and incubate them alone for about 17–18 days. Both parents and up to three male helpers from previous broods assist in feeding the chicks, which fledge after about 25–26 days and remain dependent for over a month.

White-browed Treecreepers inhabit arid and semi-arid woodlands dominated by mulga (*Acacia aneura*), belah (*Casuarina* spp.), native pine (*Callitris* spp.), and buloke (*Allocasuarina* spp.). They are found across southern inland Australia, avoiding riverine eucalypt forests. Look for them climbing tree trunks and branches or foraging on the ground among fallen logs and leaf litter, especially in areas with old-growth trees and dense shrub layers.