Short-toed Treecreeper
NameShort-toed Treecreeper
Common NameShort-toed Treecreeper
Scientific NameCerthia brachydactyla
FamilyCerthiidae
Wingspan (cm)18
Length (cm)12.5
Weight (g)9
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are mottled brown with streaks of black and buff, providing camouflage against tree bark. The rump is rufous. Underparts are clean white, contrasting sharply with the upperparts. It has a distinct pale supercilium (eyebrow stripe) and a long, slender, downcurved bill.
Vocalization / CallIts call is a thin, high-pitched 'tseep' or 'tsee-tsee-tsee'. The song is a short, rapid, trilling series of notes, often described as 'twee-twee-twee-twee-twee-twee-twee'.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, urban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound across much of temperate Western and Southern Europe, extending into North Africa and parts of Turkey. It is largely resident throughout its range.
Identifying FeaturesLong, slender, downcurved bill, Mottled brown and streaked upperparts, Clean white underparts, Creeping behavior on tree trunks, Pale supercilium, Stiff tail feathers used for support
Description
The Short-toed Treecreeper is a small, inconspicuous woodland bird known for its habit of creeping up tree trunks in search of insects. It has cryptic brown and streaked plumage on its upperparts, providing excellent camouflage against bark, and a contrasting white belly.
