If you’ve ever been mesmerised by the sight of a small bird with striking scarlet and black wings flitting along rocky cliffs, you’ve likely encountered the wallcreeper. This elusive and captivating bird has recently been named Bird of the Year 2025 by SEO/BirdLife, shining a spotlight on its unique beauty and the challenges it faces.
For nature lovers and hikers in the Pyrenees, the wallcreeper (“Tichodroma muraria”) represents a rare but unforgettable encounter. Let’s explore why this bird has earned such recognition and what makes it so special.
What is a wallcreeper?
The wallcreeper (“treparriscos” in spanish) is a small bird, roughly 15-17 cm in length, with a wingspan of up to 27 cm. Its most distinctive feature is its vibrant crimson wings, contrasting with its otherwise grey plumage and black wingtips. During flight, the bold red patches resemble a fluttering butterfly, earning it the nickname “butterfly of the cliffs.”
Wallcreepers are highly specialised climbers. Their preferred habitat consists of vertical rock faces, often at high altitudes ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 metres. In the Pyrenees, particularly in Ordesa National Park and Riglos, they can be found clinging to sheer cliffs, using their long claws and stiff tail feathers for support. They feed on insects and larvae hidden within the crevices of the rocks, making them a key player in the fauna of the Pyrenees.
Why Bird of the Year 2025?
SEO/BirdLife’s designation highlights the wallcreeper’s ecological importance and the threats it faces.
In Spain, the number of wallcreeper territories ranges from 600 to 900, while the population of breeding individuals is between 1,200 and 1,800.
Here are a few reasons why the species needs protection and requires special attention:
1. Habitat loss
The wallcreeper relies on undisturbed rocky habitats, which are increasingly threatened by human activities. Infrastructure development, quarrying, and climbing can disrupt their nesting sites, especially in areas like Riglos and Ordesa National Park.
2. Climate change
Shifting temperatures and changing ecosystems pose a significant risk to the wallcreeper. As conditions warm, the bird may be forced to move higher into the mountains, reducing available habitat in the Pyrenees.
3. Elusive nature
Spotting a wallcreeper is a dream for many birdwatchers due to its rarity and preference for remote locations. By naming it Bird of the Year, conservationists hope to raise awareness about preserving its habitats in the Pyrenees.
Where to see wallcreepers in the Pyrenees
For hikers and bird enthusiasts, the Pyrenees offer a prime opportunity to spot the wallcreeper. Here are some top tips for finding this shy bird:
1. Timing is key
The best time to see wallcreepers is during their breeding season from April to June. In winter, they undertake a vertical migration, descending to lower altitudes, often into the Sierra de Guara and Riglos area, making them slightly easier to spot. Patience is required – wallcreepers are hard to spot, and even hiking in these mountains every week, I’ve not seen them many times.
2. Choose the right locations
Famous sites like Ordesa National Park, Valle de Hecho (near Refugio Gabardito), Alquezar and the cliffs of Riglos are all known for wallcreeper sightings. These areas combine dramatic landscapes with the secluded rocky environments the bird prefers.
The place I’ve personally seen Wallcreepers the most is Ordesa. One time, with a storm approaching, we were just clipping in to descend the (in)famous chains of Cotatuero, we had a fantastic sighting, with a wallcreeper just a few metres away for nearly five minutes. Unfortunately, the storm then caught us and we had to descend the chains and pitons in torrential rain which wasn’t great, but the wallcreeper sighting made up for it! Another great spot in Ordesa is the hike along the southern rim of the Ordesa canyon on our Discover Ordesa and Highlights of the Pyrenees trips. Here you are above the cliffs, and looking down from the viewpoints into the canyon I’ve seen wallcreepers several times flitting amongst the high cliffs. In the Valle de Tena there is usually a pair in the Anayet area during the summer.
In winter, both Riglos and Alquezar are meant to be great areas to spot them, but I’ve not personally seen them there. My climber friends say they see them regularly high on the 300- metre overhanging cliffs of Riglos but my climbing skills aren’t sufficiently good enough to get up there! In Alquezar, there is a cliff face, right in the village that birders train their scopes on each morning. It’s right next to the Artica panaderia so you can have a coffee and the famous ‘dobladillo’ pastry of Alquezar while watching them!
3. Bring the right gear
A good pair of binoculars and a spotting scope will greatly increase your chances of seeing a wallcreeper. Patience and quiet observation are key.
4. Look for the right behaviours
Wallcreepers can often be spotted creeping along vertical rock faces, flicking their wings to reveal their distinctive scarlet patches.
Conservation efforts for the wallcreeper
SEO/BirdLife’s campaign focuses on protecting the habitats that wallcreepers depend on. Here’s what’s being done to safeguard their future:
- Monitoring populations: Regular surveys are conducted to track wallcreeper numbers and understand their movements.
- Protecting key areas: Conservationists work to protect critical habitats, such as nesting and feeding grounds, from human interference in regions like Ordesa and Riglos.
- Raising awareness: Educational campaigns aim to inform the public about the wallcreeper’s importance and the need for sustainable tourism practices in the Pyrenees.
- Advocating for policy changes: SEO/BirdLife collaborates with governments to ensure policies are in place to protect mountain ecosystems.
Wallcreepers and the joy of hiking
Encountering a wallcreeper in the wild is a magical experience. For many hikers in the Pyrenees, it’s a highlight of their journey—a moment that connects them to the wonders of the natural world.
As we celebrate the wallcreeper as Bird of the Year 2025, let’s remember the role we play in preserving the fragile ecosystems it calls home. Whether you’re a seasoned birdwatcher or a casual hiker, the Pyrenees offer an unparalleled opportunity to witness this remarkable species in its natural habitat. So pack your binoculars, lace up your boots, and embark on an adventure to discover the butterfly of the cliffs.
For more information on hiking trips in the Pyrenees and other ways to enjoy this stunning region, visit Hike Pyrenees.
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