Lovely Little Nuthatch

When your ears pick up that nasal note - that repeated, steady ---neh-neh-neh---it is your first clue that a White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) must be close by.

Found creeping along the trunks and branches of trees in most woodland and forest habitats in the US, they frequently will accompany mixed-species flocks of chickadees and titmice to visit bird feeders druing the winter months.  Observing their behavior is most entertaining.  These small, stout birds (5 1/4" - 5 1/2") scurry heads-up or heads-down as they forage under loose bark and in tree crevices for insects.  They are, most certainly, busy little critters!

This fine feathered friend has just plucked a seed from the feeder.  He's flown down to the railing,

where he will place his seed into a crevice in the wood.

A quick look around to make sure all is safe,

and then he hammers on the seed with his sharp bill to break the shell.

In their forest habitat, the White-breasted Nuthatch will also store its seeds in crevices

to save for later.

Nuthatches also appreciate your offerings of suet.

The White-breasted Nuthatch is a cavity nester at mid to upper levels in tress.  Their nests consist of  a bed of grass and bark, and here they may lay from 4 to 8 whitish eggs speckled with reddish browns.

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