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Bird Identification

Nuthatches & Creepers

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White-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta carolinensis Length: 5.75"

Look For

The White-breasted Nuthatch has a black crown stripe and a plain white face against which its black eye stands out. A long chisel-like bill juts out from its face and a rusty patch below its tail is obvious. Larger than our other nuthatches, the White-breasted is also our most commonly seen member of this family.

Listen for

Song is a nasal series of notes on the same tone: uhh-uhh-uhh-uhh. Also utters soft, squeaky notes that are less musical than the Red-breasted's. Birders often locate this species by the pounding sound of its bill hacking open a seed against a tree trunk or branch.

play the song/call of the white-breasted nuthatch

Remember

The White-breasted Nuthatch has an undulating flight pattern, much like a woodpecker. In flight they show contrasting black and white in the tail.

Find it

Widespread and common year-round throughout much of North America, the White-breasted Nuthatch prefers mature woods of all kinds. It's a common visitor to bird-feeding stations where sunflower seeds, peanuts, and suet are its favorite foods.

Wow!

When challenged by another nuthatch, White-breasted Nuthatches will perform their threat display. They spread their wings and tail, and standing upright with bill pointed up, they wave their bodies back and forth.

White-breasted nuthatch song provided courtesy of Lang Elliot, www.musicofnature.org. This profile is an excerpt from The Young Birder's Guide by Bill Thompson, III. Purchase an autographed copy from our nature store, and check out other BWD titles designed to help you identify backyard birds.

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