David Element

Wildlife Photography

and Digital Video Images

_____________________ Birds 17 - Treecreepers 1

                                                       TREECREEPER Certhia familiaris

• Treecreepers are a familiar sight in ancient woodlands. These charming little birds typically work their way up trees, tirelessly probing crevices in the the bark for small invertebrates with their long decurved bills whilst grasping the trunk firmly with their sharp claws. As may be seen from the dorsal view in the first photograph, three toes on each foot point forwards and one backwards and the stiff tail feathers are braced against the bark as an additional support. Their jerky movements make them difficult subjects for photography. Once the upper branches have been reached a Treecreeper will fly down to the base of an adjacent tree and repeat the process. If predators are spotted these birds will freeze, using their excellent cryptic camouflage to good effect. The nest is normally well hidden under peeling tree bark.  

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