Wallcreeper

Tichodroma muraria

(T. m. muraria)

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

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.