Passeriformes / Certhiidae / Certhia
Sichuan Treecreeper
Certhia tianquanensis · 四川旋木雀
Introduction
A species in the treecreeper family, Certhiidae, endemic to the mountains of western Sichuan, China. It breeds in open old-growth stands of Faber's fir at high altitudes and is considered a relict species. The population was estimated at less than 1000 adult individuals across a range of 19,690 km². It is currently classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN.
Description
Relatively large with a long tail. The bill is strikingly short. The throat is whitish, and the underparts are darker.
Identification
Sings aloud with a rapid and high-pitched trill.
Distribution & Habitat
Known from five sites in western Sichuan, China: Labahe Natural Reserve (Tianquin County), Dayi County, Shuanghe town (Ebian County), Wawu Shan (Hongya County), and Wujipung in Wolong Biosphere Reserve. Breeds in open old-growth stands of Faber's fir at 2,500–2,830 m (8,200–9,280 ft). Undertakes localized altitudinal migrations in winter, occurring down to at least 1,600 m (5,200 ft). Distribution is patchy within this small area.
Behavior & Ecology
Forages for invertebrates in the upper story of large trees by creeping along branches and trunks.
Conservation
Classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN (downlisted from Vulnerable in 2008). The population is estimated at less than 1000 adult individuals. Intensive logging of primary coniferous forests has seriously reduced the potential range. Habitat remains threatened by plans for tourism development, including cable railway construction, in areas such as Wawu Shan which are not yet formally protected.
Source: Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0
