Nuthatches are small, active birds belonging to the genus Sitta. They are characterized by compact bodies, short tails, and relatively large heads. Their plumage typically features shades of blue-gray on their upperparts, often complemented by white or buff underparts. Nuthatches are a familiar sight in backyards and woodlands, often seen clinging to tree bark. They possess a robust, pointed bill used for foraging.
Distinctive Nuthatch Features and Behaviors
Nuthatches typically measure between 4 and 6 inches (10 to 15.5 cm) in length, with a wingspan ranging from approximately 7.9 to 10.6 inches (20 to 27 cm), and weigh around 0.63 to 1.06 ounces (18 to 30 g). Their coloration often includes blue-gray backs and white underparts, though some species display varying tints of buff, orange, or rufous. Many species feature a black eye stripe, frequently contrasting with a white eyebrow or cap.
A defining behavior of nuthatches is their ability to descend tree trunks headfirst, a feat few other birds can accomplish. Unlike woodpeckers or treecreepers, they do not use their tail for support while climbing, relying instead on their strong legs and feet to move in jerky hops and even hang upside-down from branches. This acrobatic movement allows them to explore bark crevices from all angles in search of food. Nuthatches also engage in caching, where they store seeds and nuts in tree bark crevices for later consumption, often covering their stash with bark, lichen, or moss. Their calls are often described as nasal, ranging from soft whistles to more insistent “yank-yank” sounds.
Nuthatch Habitat and Diet
Nuthatches primarily inhabit wooded areas, favoring mature deciduous or mixed forests, but they can also be found in coniferous forests and suburban yards with established trees. While some species show a preference for specific tree types, many are adaptable and thrive wherever ample foraging and nesting opportunities exist. They generally remain in their habitats year-round, with some species, like the Red-breasted Nuthatch, undertaking southward migrations during winters when food sources are scarce in their northern ranges.
The diet of nuthatches is omnivorous. During warmer months, their diet consists mainly of insects and other invertebrates, such as caterpillars, beetles, spiders, and ants. They are skilled at extracting these from under bark or within crevices using their strong, pointed bills.
As winter approaches, their diet shifts to include a higher proportion of seeds and nuts. They use their bills to wedge larger food items into bark and then “hack” them open, a behavior that is thought to be the origin of their name. Nuthatches are also frequent visitors to bird feeders, where they readily consume sunflower seeds and suet.
Common Nuthatch Species
North America is home to several distinct nuthatch species. The White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) is the largest of the common North American nuthatches, typically measuring about 5 to 6 inches (13-15 cm) in length. It features a blue-gray back, a frosty white face and underparts, and a black cap in males, which is often gray in females. This species is commonly found in mature deciduous forests and can be a familiar sight at backyard feeders.
The Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis) is smaller, measuring around 4.5 to 4.75 inches (11-12 cm), and is easily identified by its rusty-cinnamon underparts and a prominent black stripe through its eye, bordered by a white stripe above. These birds primarily inhabit coniferous forests and are known for their distinctive nasal “yank-yank” calls.
The Pygmy Nuthatch (Sitta pygmaea) is a small species, about 3.5 to 4.3 inches (9-11 cm) long, characterized by a warm gray cap, blue-gray upperparts, and whitish underparts, often with a subtle white spot on the nape. They are highly social and are typically found in pine forests of western North America. The Brown-headed Nuthatch (Sitta pusilla) is also small, around 4.25 inches (11 cm), with a dull brown cap, a blue-gray back, and a white spot on the nape. This species is largely restricted to pine forests in the southeastern United States and is one of the few birds known to use tools, employing a piece of bark to pry for insects.