WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH (Sitta carolinensis) and RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH (Sitta canadensis)

Photos by BarrytheBirder

There are about 29 species of Nuthatches worldwide, primarily distributed across the Northern Hemisphere.   They are known for being energetic and acrobatic as they climb headfirst down tree trunks.

The White-breasted Nuthatch (pictured above) is the largest North American species.  They have a striking blue-gray back, a black cap, and clean white cheeks and underparts.

They are common year-round residents in mature deciduous forests and at backyard feeders.

The Red-breasted Nuthatch (seen below) is a small, highly active bird featuring a bold black stripe through the eye and a rich rusty-cinnamon belly.  They prefer coniferous forests and are famous for smearing tree resin around their cavity entrances to deter predators.

Two other North American species are the Pygmy Nuthatch (a tiny, highly social bird of the western United States and Canada that favours mature Ponderosa pines) and the Brown-headed Nuthatch (found mostly in the south-eastern United Sates).          

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Barry the Birder