There are 7 species of birds in the Climacteridae family. They are found in forests and woodlands across Australia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea, although most species live only in Australia.

Australian treecreepers are about 5.5–7.5 inches (14.0–19.0 cm) long. They have grayish-brown to blackish upperparts and pale underparts marked with dark streaks. Most species also have a pale stripe above each eye.

They have strong legs, long toes with sharp claws, stiff tails for support, and long, slightly curved bills. Males and females look similar, although the females of some species have reddish or orange markings on the throat.

Australian treecreepers search for insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates hidden in the bark of eucalyptus and other trees. They climb upward in a spiral around the trunk, probing cracks and crevices with their bills as they go.

Unlike the treecreepers of the Northern Hemisphere, they do not climb down tree trunks headfirst. Some species also forage on the ground, searching through leaf litter for food.