Search by:
 Search for: Results/Page

Advanced Search Search help
Common Name: Scientific Name: Image Code: Display as:
Country or State: Location: Comment:
Age Sex Activity Search Help
Orientation Results/Page Simple Search



Loading ...




White-breasted Nuthatch

White-breasted_Nuthatch

The White-breasted Nuthatch (Pipilo erythrophthalmus), resides in deciduous and mixed forests across America. They walk head-first down tree trunks and large branches searching crevices for food. They make themselves conspicuous with a variety of low-pitched nasal calls. In winter White-breasted Nuthatches typically flock with chickadees, downy woodpeckers, tufted titmice and other small birds.

See all White-breasted Nuthatch photos

Field Marks:

The White-breasted Nuthatch has a black crown and nape (both gray in the female), bright white face and breast, bluish-gray back, rusty under-tail feathers, and prominent, slightly upturned bill. (L. 5.75)


Distribution:

The White-breasted Nuthatch is a permanent resident in southern Canada, most of the U.S., and central Mexico south to Oaxaca. It is absent from most of the Gulf Coast, Florida south of the panhandle, and a swath through Texas extending north into the Great Plains.

Similar Species:







Red-breasted Nuthatch Red-breasted Nuthatch   (species account)   (all photos)

The Red-breasted Nuthatch has a rufous breast, prominent white stripe over the eye and black eye-line.
Pygmy_Nuthatch_b13-38-613 Pygmy Nuthatch   (all photos)

The Pygmy Nuthatch in the western U.S. has a brownish head.
Brown-headed Nuthatch Brown-headed Nuthatch   (all photos)

The Brown-headed Nuthatch in the southeastern U.S has a brownish head.
Black-capped Chickadee Black-capped Chickadee   (species account)   (all photos)

The Black-capped Chickadee has a black throat as well as a black cap and a very small bill.
Carolina Chickadee Carolina Chickadee   (species account)   (all photos)

The Carolina Chickadee has a black throat as well as a black cap and a very small bill.

Habitat & Nesting:

The White-breasted Nuthatch nests in tree cavities and old woodpecker holes, primarily in deciduous forest.

More Information:

The White-breasted Nuthatch (especially the female of the species) frenetically collects and caches seeds in tree crevices. In warm months the nuthatch is helpful in controlling outbreaks of gypsy moths and tent caterpillars. The strong bond between male and female nuthatches lasts throughout the year.