Creeper

The creeper (family Certhiidae) is a small, brown-backed bird with a stiff tail and thin, downcurved bill.

Of the 5 species known worldwide, only the brown creeper (Certhia americana) is native, found throughout southern Canada. Although common in Canada, creepers are easily overlooked because of their inconspicuous habits, song and colour.

Creepers forage in a distinctive way, alighting low on a tree trunk, spiralling upwards and probing in crevices for insects and spiders. In winter they often associate with other birds in mixed-species feeding flocks.

They nest in crevices, often behind loose bark, laying 5-7 eggs.