Family CERTHIIDiE. 



THE TREE-CREEPER. 



Certhia familiaris, Linnaeus. 

 Plate ii. 



The Tree-Creeper is not uncommon in districts suiting its tree-loving habits 

 throughout the British Islands, although rare in the Shetlands and Orkneys, and 

 unknown in the Outer Hebrides. Either this species, or closely related races, also 

 inhabit Europe, Asia, Africa, and America. 



It breeds early in the year, and the nest may be looked for behind a piece of 

 bark which has become more or less detached from the trunk of a tree, in thatch, 

 wood-stacks, or in crevices under the eaves of buildings. It is usually composed 

 of twigs, grasses, and moss, and lined with feathers, wool, and pieces of bark. 



The six to nine glossy white eggs are spotted with rusty-brown and purplish- 

 red. This tiny bird, one of the smallest of our native species, is retiring and unob- 

 trusive in its ways, and may be found in wooded localities, wherever there are good- 

 sized trees. Diligently searching the trunks and branches for the spiders and insects 

 on which it lives, it begins operations near the roots and works its way upwards, 

 moving round and round the tree as it ascends. As soon as one has been thoroughly 

 explored, it quickly flits to another and repeats the same movements. It always 

 appears to be absorbed in its occupation, paying little heed to anyone who does not 

 approach too near, and constantly utters a rather shrill and squeaking cry. 



The long curved claws and stiff pointed feathers of the tail are a great help to 

 the bird when climbing up the trees and creeping along the branches. 



The female does not differ from the male in plumage. 



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