Treecreeper Factfile
Latin name
Distribution
Treecreepers occur throughout the UK wherever there are mature trees, but are absent from most of the Outer Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland.
Habitat
The Treecreeper can be present in deciduous, coniferous and mixed woodland, plus parks and gardens with plenty of mature trees.
UK Population
There are around 225,000 breeding pairs of Treecreeper in the UK.
The Treecreeper is an intriguing little bird and a joy to watch, and can often be seen in gardens where, as would be expected with such a name, it creeps up trees. The Treecreeper is an unmistakable bird, with a white chin and underside, white eye stripe, brown back and wings with pale white streaks, and a thin curved bill. The colour of the Treecreeper gives it exceptional camouflage against tree trunks, and especially the gnarled bark of older tree which the species prefers. Male and female Treecreepers look the same, though there are in fact very subtle differences in plumage – they’re just not obvious when observing the birds.
Treecreeper nesting and breeding habits
The nest of the Treecreeper is typically located behind a stable flake off bark on a tree trunk, or in crevice on the trunk, plus sometimes a nest box will be used but it has to be the right type. The nest of the Treecreeper is a fairly loose cup of twigs, plant material and moss, then lined with softer material including wool, feathers and fine bark debris. The female Treecreeper incubates the five to six eggs alone, with both parents tending the young. Two broods per year are usual.
Treecreeper history and population trends
The UK population of Treecreepers is currently stable and with no long-term trend either negative or positive. However, fluctuations do occur in the population from year-to-year, with the negative influence being especially wet and cold winters.
Behaviour traits of Treecreepers
Treecreepers are fascinating and fun to observe, as they make their way up tree trunks and limbs in search of food, then fly back to the base of the same tree or another closeby to repeat the process. Their movement is jerky and deliberate, with the tail pushed up against the tree in the way a woodpecker does. Treecreepers are a solitary species in the breeding season, though, interestingly, in the winter months individual birds will often join mixed flocks of tits
Treecreeper diet and food
The Treecreeper’s diet is made up of insects, insect larvae and spiders. Some small seeds, and especially from pine and spruce trees, are also eaten in the winter months. Treecreepers will not usually take food put out for them, however, in recent years there have been an increasing number of reports of them feeding on peanuts in a mesh feeder.
What should I feed Treecreepers?
It’s unlikely that Treecreepers will feed on any food put out for birds in gardens, though they do occasionally feed on peanuts in a mesh feeder.
Bird Food
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Treecreeper smaller than a wren?
No, a Treecreeper is actually slightly larger than a Wren.
Do Treecreepers go up or down trees?
Treecreepers go up trees when looking for food, and generally in a spiral fashion as they do so. They then fly back down to the base of the tree or to another tree and repeat the process.
What bird is similar to a Treecreeper?
In the UK there isn’t a bird similar to a Treecreeper, with the species being unique in both appearance and behaviour.
Do Treecreepers use nest boxes?
Yes, Treecreepers will use nest boxes which are specially designed for them and feature a side entrance, with the box being wedge shaped. You can buy one here https://www.vinehousefarm.co.uk/treecreeper-wooden-nest-box
Are Treecreepers migratory?
Treecreepers that live in the UK do not migrate, though populations in the north of mainland Europe generally do migrate south for winter.
Treecreeper or Nuthatch?
Other than the fact that both Treecreepers and Nuthatches will use the trunks and larger branches of trees to move around in search of food, the species are very different to look at. The Treecreeper has a streaked brown back and head, with a white underside. It also has a pale eye strip and distinct bill which is slightly curved. The Nuthatch has a slate grey back, pale orange underside, strong black eye stripe, with its bill being straight and pointed. Another difference between the two species is behaviour when feeding, as the Nuthatch will move up and down a tree trunk (and when it comes down will do so headfirst), whereas the Treecreeper will only move up the trunk and will typically fly back down to the base after it gets to the top.