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Red-Breasted Nuthatch - (Sitta
canadensis)
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September
1, 2010 - It has been more than two years since
the red-breasted nuthatch has been in our yard.
We would have missed this visit too, if we
hadn't captured several images taken with two
different birdcams at two separate feeders. He
was enjoying a mid-morning treat of seed block
(a favorite in 2008) and an afternoon snack of
Bark Butter (a peanut butter type of spreadable
suet-sold exclusively by Wild Birds Unlimited).
Mid September - He's now also
been seen in a sunflower seed feeder and just
perching and pondering on branches. I may even
have spotted a female, but she has been too
quick to catch on camera, so far.
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| April 26 and 27,
2008 - Although the red- breasted nuthatch could
be a year round visitor in our backyard, he
passed through in spring on his way north to
summer in Canada and begin family life. He was
only with us this time for two days at the end
of April. We didn't keep accurate records last
year but we believe this type of nuthatch spent
most of the warmer days here in our yard. |
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The white breasted and the red breasted share
the same behavioral eating traits and travel in
the same manner up and down trees. The white
one is 5.75 inches as opposed to the red's 4.5
inches. The red has the rufous color chest and
sides. Both are fun to watch as they lift their
upper body away from the back part and form a
right angle. Their little heads hammer away at
seed and nuts on the trees and feeders.
The area where
they winter depends on the condition and supply
of what they like to eat. While I don't
wish natural bird food supplies to be diminished
in any area, I selfishly hope to see more of
these cute little guys soon.
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Size:
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Length: 4.5 in
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Weight: .35 oz |
Wingspan: 8-8.5 in |
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ID:
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Male: Blue-gray back, wings and tail;
black cap and nape; white eyebrow; black
eyeline; white cheeks; rusty red breast
and belly; long, sharp, black bill; dark
gray anisodactylous (three toes point
forward and one toe points backward)
feet; short tail
Female and Juvenile: Gray cap; paler
reddish undersides
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Habitat:
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Conifer forests during breeding
season; woodlands, agricultural and
residential areas with feeders in winter
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Diet:
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Insects, seeds; feeders for sunflower
seeds, peanut butter and suet; extracts
sunflower seed, tucks into crack in tree
bark, uses beak to expose seed; nuthatch
from Middle English means hacking (the
wedged seed open); may hide seeds near
feeder; often climbs headfirst down tree
trunks and walks on underside of
branches for insects
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Family Behavior:
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Mating Habits: Monogamous and
solitary; 1 brood per year
Local Breeding Period: Early May
Nests:Will excavate own nest in dead
tree; secondary cavities; nest boxes;
discourages predators by smearing pine
pitch around the entrance with bill;
lines with bark pieces, grass and roots;
built more by female but male helps
Eggs: 5-6 white with reddish
brown markings; female incubates 11-12
days
Nestlings: Born altricial (helpless,
naked, eyes closed) and stay in nest
14-20 days; fed by both parents
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Social Activities:
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May join mixed species flocks for
feeding or migration in winter
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Range:
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Year-round in most of Canada and
northern US; some migration to most of
rest of US in winter depending on
success of conifer seed crops in the
North
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Vocalization:
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High-pitched nasal call resembles
tiny tin horn; repeated, rapid series
sound like yank, yank
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| Lifespan: |
Up to 7 years |
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