Red-Breasted Nuthatch

 

   
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Red-Breasted Nuthatch - (Sitta canadensis)

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.

 

 

The white breasted and the red breasted share to 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.

 

 

 

       


Size:                       

Length: 4.5 in      Weight: .35 oz        Wingspan: 8-8.5 in

ID:       

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                                     

Habitat:

Conifer forests during breeding season; woodlands, agricultural and residential areas with feeders in winter

Diet:

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

Family Behavior:

Mating Habits:  Monogamous and solitary; 1 brood per year
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

Social Activities:

May join mixed species flocks for feeding or migration in winter

Range:

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
 

Vocalization:           

High-pitched nasal call resembles tiny tin horn; repeated, rapid series sound like yank, yank
Lifespan: Up to 7 years

 
   

 
   

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