A small bird famous for walking head-first DOWN tree trunks (most birds can only go up). They wedge nuts into bark crevices and "hatchet" them open with their bills — hence "nuthatch."

Also called: Topsy-turvy Bird, Upside-down Bird, Devil Down-head

Native status: Native; widespread

§ Quick facts

SizeBody 13–14 cm (5.1–5.5 in); wingspan 20–27 cm
Weight18–30 g
LifespanWild typically 2 years; oldest documented 10
OrderPasseriformes
FamilySittidae

§ Encyclopedia

The white-breasted nuthatch is a species of bird in the nuthatch family Sittidae. It is a medium-sized nuthatch, measuring approximately 15.5 cm (6.1 in) in length. Coloration varies somewhat along the species' range, but the upperparts are light blue-gray, with a black crown and nape in males, while females have a dark gray crown. The underparts are whitish, with a reddish tinge on the lower abdomen. Despite not being closely related, the white-breasted nuthatch and the white wagtail are very similar in plumage.

Source: Wikipedia — White-breasted nuthatch Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Small compact songbird with blue-gray back, white face and underparts, black cap (males) or gray (females); short tail.

Similar species. Red-breasted Nuthatch (rusty belly, black eye line). Brown-headed Nuthatch (brown cap, southeastern pines). Pygmy Nuthatch (smaller, western pines).

Voice. Nasal "yank-yank-yank" calls; soft "wenk-wenk" songs.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Insects and spiders in warm months; nuts and seeds (especially sunflower, suet, peanuts) in winter — caches food in bark crevices for later retrieval.

Behavior. Famously climbs DOWN tree trunks head-first — a unique foraging strategy that lets nuthatches see food other birds miss while walking up. Wedges nuts and seeds into crevices and hammers them open ("hatches" them) — the source of the family name. Pair-bonded year-round; mates feed each other.

§ Range

Throughout most of North America

§ Habitat

Mature deciduous and mixed forests, suburbs

§ Threats

Loss of mature trees, window strikes, lawn pesticides reducing insect prey.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the white-breasted nuthatch is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Maintain mature trees. Hang nuthatch nest boxes. Use bird-safe windows.

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§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • Cornell Lab — All About Birds
  • Project FeederWatch
  • National Audubon Society
  • IUCN Red List 2018