One of the immediate physical characteristics I noted from this specimen was the long, very thin beak and mottled brown coloration contrasting with the pure white underbelly. It is also a diminutive bird.
The name comes from the bird's habit of creeping up a tree trunk looking for insects. When it reaches the top of a tree - off it flies to the base of another to repeat the process. This is a one-way bird - always climbing up and never down.
Not easy to spot inasmuch as that mottled brown and gray plumage serves as a concealment device allowing this clever critter to blend-in with the bark of a tree as it feeds.
It ranges from Canada to the Gulf Coast and supposedly is a rear-round resident on the peninsula - yet I've never spotted one in the winter. And never one this close-up and personal.
Addressing what you are obviously thinking the bird in the photo isn't dead - only stunned. It bonked itself flying into a window. I fetched it for the privilege of a closer look and within moments it flew from my hand to hang out in the netting protecting the hydrangeas from deer browse. This was a short and rewarding opportunity to indulge my immersion in the natural world. Ma Nature delivers a surprise from time-to-time.
As for the creeper - no worse for the bump on the noggin and having a big, scary hoomin administer an examination. After sitting in the sun for a few minutes it flew-away.
The screens went up on the windows afterwards to prevent any further bird bonks...
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