Treecreepers in France
When the Treecreeper (Certhia familiaris) is present in France, when it nests, and which native France plants supply the food it depends on.
- Status in France
- Resident all year
- Nesting season
- April–June
- Size
- 12.5 cm, 10 g
- Nest box
- Does not use enclosed boxes
When to expect treecreepers in France
The Treecreeper lives in France all year round. Mild in the west and south; hard frosts in the north-east and mountains.
Oceanic in the west, continental in the east, Mediterranean along the south coast and Alpine in the mountains.
Nesting in France
In France the Treecreeper usually nests April–June. Nest site: behind loose bark or ivy. Clutches are 5–6 eggs, incubated for 14–15 days; chicks fledge after 15–16 days, and pairs raise 1–2 per year.
- The Treecreeper does not use enclosed nest boxes — dense native shrubs and climbers give it nest sites.
- Avoid cutting hedges during the nesting season (roughly March to August) — in the UK, disturbing an active nest is an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
Native France plants for treecreepers
Of the native plants we track for France, these 8 provide food the Treecreeper uses:
Haws feed thrushes all winter; spring blossom supports hundreds of insect species.
Late-winter berries when little else is left, plus dense nesting cover.
Late-summer berries taken by Blackcaps and thrushes.
Thorny cover that protects nests; early blossom for insects.
Berries and nest sites in its tangles; moths for insect-eaters.
Blackberries and impenetrable nesting cover.
Seed heads for Goldfinches and a nectar source for insects.
Early-summer cherries for Blackbirds and Jays.
Feeding in the garden
Tiny insects from bark.
- Best foods: Suet smeared into bark.
- Feeders: Suet cage.
- Rarely at feeders — rub fat into rough bark.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked
Are treecreepers in France all year?
Yes — the Treecreeper is resident in France all year.
When do treecreepers nest in France?
Typically April–June. Clutches are 5–6 eggs, incubated for 14–15 days, with 1–2 per year.
Which native plants help treecreepers in France?
Hawthorn, Ivy, Elder, Blackthorn, Honeysuckle, Bramble, Common knapweed, Wild cherry are native to France and provide food or cover the Treecreeper uses.
Treecreepers in other countries
Other garden birds in France
Sources
- Treecreeper — RSPB bird guide
- Treecreeper — BTO BirdFacts
- Atlas des oiseaux de France métropolitaine — LPO
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.