Treecreepers (Certhiidae)
Brown Creeper
Certhia americana. Tiny insects and spiders gleaned from bark.
Treecreepers (Certhiidae)Brown CreeperCerthia americana
- Scientific name
- Certhia americana
- Length
- 4.7–5.5 in
- Weight
- 0.2–0.3 oz
- Nest
- Hammock nest behind loose bark on dead trees
- Entrance hole
- Does not use nest boxes
- Clutch
- 5–6 eggs
- Incubation
- 13–17 days
- Broods
- 1 per season
Identification
- Streaked brown back perfectly matching bark
- Thin, down-curved bill
- Stiff tail used as a prop while spiraling up trunks
Voice
High, thin 'tsee'; a sweet warbling song.
Diet and feeding
Tiny insects and spiders gleaned from bark.
What do brown creepers eat? · Best feeder for brown creepers
Brown Creepers by state and province
| Region | Status | Nesting |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Winter visitor | — |
| Alberta | Year-round resident | June |
| Arizona | Year-round resident | April–June |
| Arkansas | Winter visitor | — |
| British Columbia | Year-round resident | June |
| California | Year-round resident | April–June |
| Colorado | Year-round resident | May–June |
| Connecticut | Year-round resident | May–June |
| Delaware | Winter visitor | — |
| Florida | Winter visitor | — |
| Georgia | Winter visitor | — |
| Idaho | Year-round resident | May–June |
| Illinois | Winter visitor | — |
| Indiana | Winter visitor | — |
| Iowa | Winter visitor | — |
| Kansas | Winter visitor | — |
| Kentucky | Winter visitor | — |
| Louisiana | Winter visitor | — |
| Maine | Year-round resident | June |
| Maryland | Winter visitor | — |
| Massachusetts | Year-round resident | May–June |
| Michigan | Year-round resident | May–June |
| Minnesota | Year-round resident | June |
| Mississippi | Winter visitor | — |
| Missouri | Winter visitor | — |
| Montana | Year-round resident | June |
| Nebraska | Winter visitor | — |
| Nevada | Year-round resident | May–June |
| New Brunswick | Year-round resident | June |
| New Hampshire | Year-round resident | June |
| New Jersey | Year-round resident | May–June |
| New Mexico | Year-round resident | May–June |
| New York | Year-round resident | May–June |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | Year-round resident | June |
| North Carolina | Winter visitor | — |
| Nova Scotia | Year-round resident | June |
| Ohio | Winter visitor | — |
| Oklahoma | Winter visitor | — |
| Ontario | Year-round resident | June |
| Oregon | Year-round resident | May–June |
| Pennsylvania | Year-round resident | May–June |
| Prince Edward Island | Year-round resident | June |
| Quebec | Year-round resident | June |
| Rhode Island | Year-round resident | May–June |
| South Carolina | Winter visitor | — |
| Tennessee | Winter visitor | — |
| Texas | Winter visitor | — |
| Utah | Year-round resident | May–June |
| Vermont | Year-round resident | June |
| Virginia | Winter visitor | — |
| Washington | Year-round resident | May–June |
| West Virginia | Year-round resident | May–June |
| Wisconsin | Year-round resident | June |
| Wyoming | Year-round resident | June |
Frequently asked
What do brown creepers eat?
Tiny insects and spiders gleaned from bark. At feeders: suet, peanut butter mix spread on bark.
How big is a Brown Creeper?
4.7–5.5 in long and 0.2–0.3 oz.
Do brown creepers use birdhouses?
No. Hammock nest behind loose bark on dead trees.
Sources
- Brown Creeper — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Brown Creeper life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Brown Creeper — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.