Description
The Eurasian treecreeper (Certhia familiaris) is a small passerine bird found across large portions of Euriasia. It measures about 12 to 14 cm (4.7-5.5 in) in length. It has a slender, downcurved bill, perfect for extracting insects and spiders from bark crevices. Its upperparts are mottled brown and white, camouflaging it against tree bark, while the underparts are predominantly white. It is known for how it climbs up tree trunks with ease and speed. The bird is distinguished from the similar short-toed treecreeper (Certhia brachydactyla) by its slightly shorter bill, and the pattern of its song and call. The two species’ ranges overlap in certain areas, but the Eurasian treecreeper prefers colder, more coniferous environments.
Diet & habitat
Eurasian treecreepers are found in deciduous, coniferous and mixed forests, particularly those rich in mature trees with plenty of crevices for foraging. Their diet primarily consists of insects and spiders. They exhibit a unique foraging behavior, spiraling upwards around tree trunks and larger branches, probing into bark crevices with their curved bills to extract prey. This upward movement distinguishes them from species like nuthatches, which often move headfirst down trees.
Nesting
The breeding season for Eurasian treecreepers begins in late March, extending through to July. They are monogamous birds that often reuse the same nesting sites. Nests are cleverly concealed behind peeling bark or in crevices, constructed from twigs, moss, and spider webs, and lined with feathers for insulation. The female lays 5 to 6 eggs per clutch, which she incubates for about 14 to 15 days. Both parents partake in feeding the altricial (helpless) chicks, which fledge approximately 15 to 20 days after hatching. This period of intense care ensures the young are well-equipped for survival outside the nest.
Status
The Eurasian treecreeper has a wide range and stable population sizes. However, habitat degradation and deforestation pose potential threats to local populations. It is classified as least concern on the IUCN Red List.
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