Bird of the Week: White-breasted Nuthatch

 

Photo taken at Dodson Bird Observatory

If you’ve spent much time near a suet feeder in the woods or at the edge of a clearing, chances are you’ve seen this agile little acrobat: the White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis). This week's featured bird at the Dodson Bird Observatory is a familiar but endlessly fascinating visitor known for its distinctive feeding behavior and quirky charm.

In the photo above, taken on a chilly winter morning, you’ll notice the nuthatch’s signature move—climbing headfirst down a tree (or feeder). This behavior sets them apart from most other songbirds and helps them spot insects and seeds missed by other foragers.

With its bold black cap, crisp white face and underparts, and blue-gray back, the White-breasted Nuthatch is easy to recognize. It’s also one of the more vocal birds in our area, known for its nasal “yank-yank” call, which often echoes through the woods well before the bird is spotted.

At the Dodson Bird Observatory, we find these nuthatches especially fond of suet cakes and sunflower seeds. They’re regulars at our winter feeders and are often seen caching food—wedging sunflower seeds into bark crevices for later retrieval. Watching them work is a reminder of how intelligent and resourceful even small birds can be.

Fun Fact:

Despite their small size, White-breasted Nuthatches can be quite territorial. We've seen them chase off much larger birds—including woodpeckers—when competing for a good perch at the feeder!

Conservation Note:

Fortunately, the White-breasted Nuthatch remains common across much of North America. Still, like many woodland species, it depends on mature forests with a healthy mix of tree species. Protecting and enhancing forest habitat is a simple yet powerful way to support this species and many others.