Photo ©2017 Rorals
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Photo ©2017 Rorals
Click for a larger image
Eurasian treecreeper - Certhia familiaris
Family - Certhiidae
The Eurasian treecreeper – Certhia familiaris - is a small passerine bird 12.5cm (4.9in) long found in the UK known for its habit of spiralling up tree trunks in a distinct jerky, mouse like motion. It features mottled brown and white upperparts, a long down-curved bill designed for probing bark, and a stiff plain brown tail used for support. It is common in mature broadleaf and conifer woodlands, parks, and gardens with mature trees, feeding on insects and spiders in bark crevices, occasionally taking small seeds. The Eurasian treecreeper is the only species of treecreeper found in the UK.
The species is resident and common throughout Britain and Ireland, although absent from some Scottish islands mountainous areas. They are considered a "green list" species, meaning they are not currently a major conservation concern, with roughly 225,000 breeding territories.
The Eurasian treecreeper is one of a group of very similar treecreeper species, all placed in the single genus Certhia with eight species currently being recognised. The Eurasian treecreeper is the most widespread member of the genus, breeding in temperate woodlands from Ireland to Japan. It prefers mature trees, and in most of Europe, where it shares its range with Short-toed treecreeper – Certhia brachydactyla - it tends to be found mainly in coniferous forest, especially spruce and fir. However, where it is the only treecreeper, as in the British Isles, it frequents broadleaved or mixed woodland in preference to conifers. It is also found in parks and large gardens.
A clutch of 5-6 white eggs with very fine pinkish speckles is laid between March and June. They are 16x12mm (0.63x0.47in) and weigh 1.2g. Incubated by the female for 13–17 days, after hatching they are fed by both parents for a further 15–17 days to fledging. Occasionally there is a second brood.
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