Measurements
Both Sexes
- Length
- 4.7–5.5 in
12–14 cm - Wingspan
- 6.7–7.9 in
17–20 cm - Weight
- 0.2–0.4 oz
5–10 g
Other Names
- Grimpereau americain, Grimpereau brun (French)
- Trepadorcito norteamericano, Trepador americano (Spanish)
Cool Facts
- The Brown Creeper bears an extremely close physical resemblance to the Eurasian Treecreeper and Short-toed Treecreeper, and was at one time considered the same species as the Eurasian Treecreeper. But studies of vocalizations, including experiments in which they do not respond to each other's songs, support recognition of three separate species.
- In Arizona, Brown Creeper nests often have two openings, one which serves as an entrance and the other as an exit. Entrances face downward and exits upward.
Habitat
Forest
Coniferous and mixed coniferous-deciduous forests.
Food
Insects
Small insects, spiders, and other invertebrates. Also small quantities of seeds.
Nesting
Nesting Facts
- Clutch Size
- 1–8 eggs
- Egg Description
- White, usually with pink or reddish brown spots.
- Condition at Hatching
- Helpless and with only sparse down on head.
Nest Description
Nest consists of a base made in part out of cocoons and spider egg cases, anchored to inner surface of bark, and a cup made of fine pieces of bark, fibers, leaves, mosses, and feathers. Nest is almost always placed behind a flap of loose bark on a tree trunk.
Nest Placement
Tree
Behavior
Bark Forager
Creeps along tree trunks, gleaning prey from bark with bill. Begins near bottom of trunk and works upward, spiraling around the trunk.
Conservation
Least Concern
Widespread and generally abundant, but habitat loss and degradation is considered a threat to the species in some states, including Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, New Jersey, New York, Idaho, and Montana.
Credits
- Hejl, S. J., K. R. Newlon, M. E. McFadzen, J. S. Young, and C. K. Ghalambor. 2002. Brown Creeper (Certhia americana). In The Birds of North America, No. 669 (A. Poole and F. Gill, eds.). The Birds of North America, Inc., Philadelphia, PA.