White-breasted Nuthatch

The White-breasted Nuthatch is so much fun to watch.

Latin name: Sitta carolinensis

Length, wingspan:5.75″, 11″

What they eat: Insects and seeds

Habitat: Woodlands and adjacent areas

Where they nest: Tree cavities

My observations: You might think this photo is upside-down, but I’m pretty sure the White-breasted Nuthatch spends more of its life in that position, rather than right-side up! You’ll typically see them scooting along — up, down and sideways — on tree trunks, ever in search of a tasty bug. They also love their seeds and will often be seen at sunflower feeders or even on blocks of suet. Nuthatches have been known to hide seeds within crevices in tree bark, for eating later in the winter. They have a nasal call that I think sounds like “nyit, nyit.” I’m always thrilled to get to see these petite birds in our garden since I know they love eating insects!

To learn more about the White-breasted Nuthatch, visit Cornell’s All About Birds website.

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