Certhiidae

The Certhiidae family, commonly known as treecreepers, is a group of small, passerine birds found primarily in the Northern Hemisphere. These birds are characterized by their slender, down-curved bills, which they use to extricate insects from bark, and their stiff tail feathers, which aid in support as they ascend tree trunks.

Description

Members of the Certhiidae family are small birds, typically 12 to 14 cm in length, with mottled brown and white plumage that provides camouflage against tree bark. They have strong claws and a stiff tail that helps them cling to and climb vertical surfaces.

Behavior

Treecreepers are predominantly insectivorous, using their curved beaks to probe into crevices in the bark to extract insects and spiders. Their foraging technique involves starting at the base of a tree trunk and spiraling upwards before flying down to the base of another tree to repeat the process.

Habitat

Treecreepers inhabit wooded areas, including forests and woodlands. They are adapted to a life spent predominantly on tree trunks and are rarely seen on the ground.

Reproduction

The nesting habits of treecreepers involve creating a cup-shaped nest behind peeling bark or in crevices. They typically lay between 3 and 7 eggs, which are incubated by the female.

Genera and Species

The family Certhiidae includes several genera, such as:

• Certhia – the common treecreepers
• Salpornis – the spotted creeper

Each genus contains a number of species which vary slightly in size, habitat preference, and range.

Conservation

Most treecreeper species are considered to be of least concern by conservation standards, although habitat destruction and changes in forest composition due to human activity can impact some populations.

See also

• List of birds
• Ornithology