Distribution and habitat of the Eurasian Treecreeper (Certhia familiaris) in Corsica

Abstract

The Eurasian Treecreeper is a forest bird distributed from South-Western Europe up to Northern Asia. Two phylogenetic groups have been recently identified within this species, one restricted to Corsica Island (Mediterranean) and the Caucasus region, the other distributed over most of Eurasia and in Northern Asia. Little is known on the natural history of the Corsican population. We present here new comprehensive data on its distribution and habitat. The Eurasian Treecreeper is found from sea level to the upper limit of the forest but absent from the treeless macchia, a dominant vegetation in Corsica. Breeding occurs in a variety of tree species with a strong preference for mature stands and large trees. Its preferred habitat consists of old stands of Corsican Pines and of Sweet Chestnuts, although they are not the commonest tree species in Corsica. The current decline of Sweet Chestnut orchards confers a particular importance to the future preservation of mature stands of Corsican Pine, a patrimonial habitat of great value hosting several endemic bird taxa.