Red-breasted Nuthatch

Red-breasted Nuthatch, adult male

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Red-breasted Nuthatch, female

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1. Description
2. Sound
3. Conservation Status
4. Other Names
5. Cool Facts
6. Full detailed species account

A characteristic bird of spruce and fir forests, the Red-breasted Nuthatch makes periodic irruptions out of its normal range when winter food supplies are low. During those years, it may be found along the Gulf Coast and even in the desert washes of northern Mexico.

Description

• Small nuthatch.
• Eyebrow white with black stripe through eye.
• Top of head black.
• Back gray.
• Underparts reddish.
• Climbs down trees headfirst.

• Size: 11 cm (4 in)
• Wingspan: 18-20 cm (7-8 in)
• Weight: 8-13 g (0.28-0.46 ounces)

Sex Differences

Top of male's head black, female's blue-gray. Female is paler underneath and has a narrower eyestripe.

Sound

Call a nasal bleating like a toy horn, series of short "annk" notes.

Conservation Status

Populations are increasing throughout most of the range.

Other Names

Sittelle du Canada, Sittelle à poitrine rousse, Le Torchepot du Canada (French)
Sita canadiense, Saltapolos canadiense, Trepador Canadiense (Spanish)
Canada Nuthatch (English)

Cool Facts

• The Red-breasted Nuthatch applies sticky conifer resin globules to the entrance of its nest hole. It may carry the resin in its bill or on pieces of bark that it uses as an applicator. The male puts the resin primarily around the outside of the hole while the female puts it around the inside. The resin may help to keep out predators or competitors. The nuthatch avoids the resin by diving directly through the hole.

• During nest-building, the Red-breasted Nuthatch is aggressive towards many other bird species. It will chase away nest hole competitors such as the House Wren, White-breasted Nuthatch, and Downy Woodpecker. A particularly feisty nuthatch will also go after Yellow-rumped Warblers and House Finches. The nuthatch's aggressive tendencies subside after the nest is finished, although it remains aggressive towards potential predators and competitors.

• Red-breasted Nuthatches migrate southward earlier than many irruptive species. They may begin in early July and may reach their southernmost point by September or October.

Sources used to construct this page:

Ghalambor, C. K., and T. E. Martin. 1999. Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis). In The Birds of North America, No. 459 (A. Poole and F. Gill, eds.). The Birds of North America, Inc., Philadelphia, PA.