FAM. CERTHIIDE 
BY C. E. HELLMAYR 
<2AESSOHE members of this family, The Tree-Creepers, are « small, ten-primaried, 



Gif 
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END 
Characters. Bill variable as to relative length and degree of curvature, 
mostly longer, in one genus (Climacteris) slightly shorter than the head, with tip 
decurved, though in one genus (Tichodroma) but slightly so; culmen distinctly ridged; no 
subterminal notch; maxilla not uncinate at tip; gonys straight or very nearly so. Nostrils 
wholly exposed, longitudinal, overhung by a distinct operculum. Rictal bristles obsolete. 
Wing rather long, rounded; third and fourth, or fourth and fifth, primaries longest; first 
primary considerably less than half the second. Tail variable as to relative length and 
shape of rectrices, either much shorter than wing, even or slightly rounded, with rectrices 
soft, broad and rounded at tip (Salpornis, Tichodroma, Climacteris, Rhabdornis), or equal to, or 
even slightly longer than wing, graduated, with rectrices stiffened and acuminate at tip (Certhia). 
Tarsus generally longer, in one genus, Sa/pornis, slightly shorter than middle toe without claw; 
acrotarsium either scutellate (Certhia, Salpornis) or booted (Tichodroma, Climacteris, Rhabdor- 
mis), though in Climacteris there are sometimes indistinct scutes to be seen; lateral toes very 
unequal in length, outer toe always decidedly longer than inner, but shorter than middle toe; 
hallux considerably shorter than middle toe; basal phalanx of middle toe adherent to outer 
toe for its whole length. Claws large, more or less strongly arched, that of hallux as long as, or 
longer than, the digit. 
Coloration. Exceedingly variable. See under the various genera. 
Geographical Distribution. Palaearctic, Nearctic and Ethiopian Regions; Indian 
Subregion; Australia; New Guinea. 
