Eurasian Treecreeper
Certhia familiaris
General information. The Eurasian treecreeper is a recognizable bird species in old growth forests in Finland. Thriving in coniferous forests, their numbers have increased somewhat, according to the latest surveys. The species has apparently benefitted from winters becoming milder as a result of climate change.
- Length 13 cm
- Nests in tree stumps, nesting boxes or behind bark flakes on tree trunks
- Primarily sedentary species. Some of the young treecreepers migrate south for the winter
- Feeds on insects
Habitat. The Eurasian treecreeper nests in coniferous and mixed type forests. The species’ main nesting areas are old spruce copses and low moorlands. It can also be found in uniform coniferous forests. In Vaasa, the treecreeper also nests, albeit in lesser extent, in more lush areas, such as the waterfront groves found in Vaskiluoto and Gerby.
The Eurasian treecreeper nests early and lays its eggs in late April through to early May. The first young can be seen already outside the nest by the end of May. Some pairs will raise a second brood later during the nesting season. A shortage of suitable nesting sites can be managed by introducing custom-fabricated nesting boxes in suitable biotopes.
Distribution in Vaasa. The Eurasian treecreeper has been observed in approximately 100 survey blocks across Vaasa. A majority was found in old growth spruce forests in Öjen, the Öjberget area, Pilvilampi and Ristinummi. One can already hear their beautiful song in the beginning of April, through to May and June.
