Eurasian treecreeper
The Eurasian treecreeper is a small bird known for its unique climbing ability, which it employs to navigate the trunks of trees in search of insects. Measuring about five inches in length and weighing between 1/4 to 1/2 ounce, it is characterized by its soft brown plumage, streaked underparts, and distinctive white eye stripes. This bird utilizes its long, curved bill to probe into the cracks of trees, targeting insects and other invertebrates as its primary food source. Although not adept at flying, its methodical and spiral ascent up tree trunks is a remarkable sight, often complemented by its ability to scurry upside down beneath branches.
Eurasian treecreepers are generally solitary, though they may join flocks in colder months for warmth. Their breeding season begins in April, during which males display courtship behaviors, and females build nests in tree bark crevices. After laying four to eight eggs, the female incubates them for about two weeks, with both parents participating in caring for the chicks until they are ready to leave the nest. The typical lifespan of a Eurasian treecreeper is around seven years, and they are often found in wooded areas, parks, and farmlands rich in large trees.
Subject Terms
Eurasian treecreeper
As its name might suggest, the Eurasian treecreeper gets is named for the method by which it creeps up the sides of trees using its long claws. The bird uses its stiff tail feathers to help support it during its ascent up a tree. The Eurasian treecreeper was first observed in Britain more than 900 years ago.
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Certhiidae
Genus: Certhia
Species: Familiaris
The Eurasian treecreeper reaches a full-grown length of about five inches (12 centimeters) and a weight of only 1/4 to 1/2 ounce (7 to 14 grams). The top feathering, or plumage, of the adult is soft brown. On its underparts, the brown plumage is interrupted by streaks of sliver and white feathering. The bird is also identified by its light brown sides and white eye stripes. The plumage of the younger Eurasian treecreeper is grayer and more spotted than the adult. The bird's bill is thin and curves downward making it an excellent tool for catching insects within the cracks of trees.
Although the Eurasian treecreeper is quite skilled at climbing, it is not quite as good in the air. Its flight is a somewhat jerky and awkward display, as if the bird were given the wings of a much larger bird by mistake. Due to its poor flying ability, the bird's time spent in the air is usually brief. It most often flutters from the top of one tree to the bottom of another. It is commonly seen moving up the trunk of a tree in a spiral manner, its sharp claws and stiff tail feathers constantly working throughout the ascent. It is not uncommon to see the bird scurrying upside down beneath an overhanging branch, snapping at insects in its path.
The Eurasian treecreeper is a solitary bird, or bird which spends the majority of its time alone. But it may also be seen with a flock of titmice or nuthatches during the fall and winter months. On very cold nights, it is not uncommon to see up to 15 treecreepers perched closely together for warmth. There are times when the Eurasian treecreeper becomes territorial, or possessive of its surroundings. During these times the bird takes on a defensive posture, fighting off any bird that tries to invade its space.
The feeding grounds of the Eurasian treecreeper include the woods, parks, and farmland where there is an abundance of large trees. When climbing through the trees, the bird's streaked brown plumage camouflages it against the bark. The bird's expert skills as a hunter are due in part to the shape of its bill. The bill's long, curved shape allows the bird to search in the cracks and crevices of trees for insects, their eggs, and other invertebrates. Its diet includes spiders, wood lice, small moths, earwigs, and weevils.
In April, the Eurasian treecreeper begins its courtship display. The male may chase a female up a tree or through the air, or he may feed her while letting out a shrill call. Breeding lasts until early July.
Together, the male and female build a nest in a slender crack behind a piece of loose tree bark. The nest, which is made of twigs, is formed into an oval shape which is then lined with bark, feathers, and wool. After mating, the female lays four to eight eggs. The eggs are white with reddish brown speckles. She incubates the eggs for 14 to 15 days. After they hatch, the chicks are fed by both sets of parents. They remain in the nest for an additional two weeks after which time are ready to fly. But the flight of the young is not a swift, sudden event. The chicks commonly cling to the side of the nest for a day or two before they take to the air for the first time.
The life span of the Eurasian treecreeper is seven years.