A subtle little bird whose bark-like plumage helps it blend into tree trunks in woodland, forest, and gardens with mature trees. Typically encountered alone or in pairs, it creeps along trunks and branches, using its stiff tail for support like a miniature woodpecker. It searches for insects and spiders in cracks, often spiralling upward before dropping to the base of another tree to repeat the pattern. Where Short-toed Treecreeper is also present, telling them apart can be tricky without experience; useful clues include “stepped” markings in the wing, whiter flanks, and a slightly shorter bill. Its calls are high, thin “tseee” notes and trills, and the song is a pleasing run of descending whistles, often starting with brief trills and ending in a rising flourish.