Treecreeper
| Irish Name: | Snag |
| Scientific name: | Certhia familiaris |
| Bird Family: | Treecreeper |
green
Conservation status
Conservation status
Status
A widespread resident in mature hedgerows and deciduous forests.
Identification
Small, about the same size as a Blue Tit. Ages and sexes appear similar. The upperparts are grey-brown with some limited white streaking on the crown. The underparts, including the throat are white with a brownish wash to the flanks and vent. Has a medium length, slightly curved bill that it uses to search for insects in the bark of trees. Has distinctive behaviour of creeping up trees, looking quietly for food. When it reaches the top of a tree, it flies down to the base of another tree. Its cryptic plumage and high-pitched call make it quite tricky to find in a forest.
Voice
The most frequently heard call is a high pitched “ssrri”, similar to some calls of Goldcrest, Blackbird and Coal Tit. The song is a series of three or four high pitched notes.
Diet
Feeds almost exclusively on insects and other invertebrates found in the bark of trees.
Breeding
A widespread though unobtrusive resident throughout Ireland, favouring mature hedgerows and broadleaf forests (Oak, Birch).
Wintering
The majority of the population is resident with only local dispersal of young in autumn. Has recently been observed visiting peanut feeders.
Monitored by
Countryside Bird Survey and BirdTrack.
Resident and common in mature woodlands. Extensive broadleaf forests, such as found in Killarney National Park or Portumna Forest Park are good areas to look for Treecreepers.
North Eastern birds partially migratory.
