Red-breasted Nuthatch

100

1 week ago

Points: 100

Spotted

The Red-breasted Nuthatch is a small, active songbird of North America, distinguished by its reddish-orange underparts, bluish-grey back, and a prominent black eye-stripe. Like its relatives, it skillfully climbs trees headfirst. It is a denizen of coniferous forests.

Where to spot

Widespread across the coniferous and mixed forests of North America, from Alaska and Canada south through the United States, and in mountainous regions of Mexico. It strongly prefers spruce, fir, and pine forests.

How to spot

Look for its characteristic 'upside-down' climbing on tree trunks. Listen for its distinctive nasal call. The reddish breast and prominent black eye-stripe are unmistakable field marks.

When to spot

Resident year-round throughout much of its range. They are active all day, but especially visible during the non-breeding season. Their nasal 'yank-yank' call is a common sound in their habitat.

Where to spot

How to spot

Look for its characteristic 'upside-down' climbing on tree trunks. Listen for its distinctive nasal call. The reddish breast and prominent black eye-stripe are unmistakable field marks.

When to spot

Resident year-round throughout much of its range. They are active all day, but especially visible during the non-breeding season. Their nasal 'yank-yank' call is a common sound in their habitat.

Credits: Wikimedia Commons

Red-breasted Nuthatches often smear sap around the entrance of their nest cavities, possibly to deter predators or to trap insects. They are one of the few nuthatches that excavate their own nest holes in rotten wood.

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