What they like

Old trees with rough bark. Oaks, poplars, willows, fruit trees. The more grooves and bark ridges, the better: that’s where they picks his food from. Help them: leave dead branches, hang a nest box made especially for treecreepers (with a side opening) at 2–4 meters, against a trunk. In parks and gardens: prune less neatly, leave ivy and the shrub layer. On farmyards and agricultural land: plant hedgerows and shelterbelts with hawthorn, blackthorn, hazel and oak. Make them continuous, not isolated patches.

Ecological importance

He’s a living bark-brush: they takes insects and spiders from trunks, including larvae that hide. In doing so they helps keep trees healthy. He themself is prey for the sparrowhawk and the tawny owl—so cover with shrubs makes a difference.

When in the Netherlands

All year round. Especially noticeable in the breeding season (March–June), when they lets out his high little trill.

Status

Common, but dependent on an old, varied tree landscape. Less deadwood, fewer treecreepers.