Red-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta canadensis

Order PASSERIFORMES - Family SITTIDAE - Subfamily Sittinae

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1. Cool Facts
2. Description
3. Similar Species
4. Sound
5. Range
6. Habitat
7. Food
8. Behavior
9. Reproduction
10. Conservation Status
11. Other Names

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.

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.

Description

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

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

Sex Differences

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

Immature

Juvenile similar to adult but markings duller.

Similar Species

• Only North American nuthatch with eyestripe.

Sound

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

»listen to songs of this species

Range

Summer Range

Resident in coniferous and mixed coniferous forests from southern Alaska across Canada southward to northern United States. Other populations in the South from the Appalachians to northern Georgia and throughout the Mountain West.

Winter Range

Resident throughout breeding range. Irruptive movements southward in years of poor cone production in boreal forest. Some birds move south every year, especially from most northern populations. Click here for a description of one irruption year, based on Winter Finch Survey data.

Habitat

• Mature and diverse stands of coniferous forests, especially spruce, fir, larch, and cedar.
• Also suburban habitat with sufficient conifers.

Food

Insects, spiders, and conifer seeds. Visits bird feeders.

Behavior

Foraging

Probes crevices in tree bark; climbs down tree trunks headfirst. Stores food for later use under bark, in holes, and in ground.

Reproduction

Nest Type

Builds in cavities in trees and branches. Nest cavity filled with grasses, bark strips, and pine needles. Lined with fur, feathers, fine grass, and shredded bark.

Egg Description

Creamy white speckled with reddish brown.

Clutch Size

Usually 5-6 eggs. Range: 2-8.

Condition at Hatching

Naked and helpless.

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)

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.