Scientific name: Certhia brachydactyla Brehm, 1820
Bird group: Wall- and Treecreepers
Field characters. 12.5 cm. Small, rufous brown bird that climbs tree trunks like a mouse. Long curved bill, upperparts brown with yellowish or grey-white streaks and spots, white supercilium, rufous rump, white underparts, chestnut flanks and brown pointed tail. Climbs trees like a tiny woodpecker, never downward like Eurasian Nuthatch. Very difficult to tell apart from Eurasian Treecreeper, but chestnut flanks easiest distinguishing field character; also has different voice, shorter, narrower and less contrasting supercilium, shorter claw, and slightly longer and more curved bill. Nests in holes, behind loose bark, in tree crevices, in holes in walls, nestboxes, etc. When disturbed retires on backside of a tree. During breeding season found alone or in pairs, in winter often together with tit-flocks.
Voice. Several tit-like soft calls. Characteristic call different from Eurasian Treecreeper, a loud repeated 'tee tee tee'. Song a short rising 'tee trui tree tree'.
Distribution. Common, resident. Some dispersal in early autumn. Wanders around in winter.
Habitat. Needs mature trees. Found in deciduous woodland, parks, and orchards; locally also found in coniferous woodland.
Food. Invertebrates, found on bark of tree trunks and branches. Works its way up one tree, then flies down to foot of next one and starts again.