Common Treecreeper

The Common Treecreeper , Certhia familiaris, is a small passerine bird found through much of temperate Europe and into Asia. It is a member of the treecreeper family. It is closely related to the very similar Short-toed Treecreeper. It has a generally more northerly distribution than that species, although there is extensive range overlap in western Europe. Where both occur, Common Treecreeper tends to prefer conifers.

Common Treecreeper is the only treecreeper which breeds in Ireland, Great Britain and most of Scandinavia.

It is a resident in woodlands throughout its range, and nests in tree crevices or behind the bark of introduced Wellingtonia. Up to 9 eggs are laid.

This is a small bird fairly drab in appearance, streaked brownish above and white below. It has long stiff tail feathers which help it creep up tree trunks like a mouse looking for insects. It has a long curved bill.