Nuthatches are small songbirds that are common across North America. They are known for their ability to creep down tree trunks head first. Nuthatches have a number of interesting behaviors and preferences when it comes to where they nest and roost. Understanding nuthatch nesting preferences helps bird enthusiasts know what types of boxes and feeders to install to attract these birds.
Do nuthatches use birdhouses?
Yes, nuthatches do use birdhouses. However, they have some specific preferences when it comes to birdhouse design that may differ from other common birdhouse visitors like chickadees or titmice. Below are some key facts about nuthatch preferences for birdhouses:
- Nuthatches prefer birdhouses made from natural wood rather than metal or plastic.
- The entrance hole should be small, usually around 1 1/8 inches across. This helps keep out larger birds.
- Nuthatches like a more enclosed birdhouse with only a single entrance hole rather than open platforms.
- They do not add nesting material to the birdhouse so prefer a wood-chip filled box rather than an empty cavity.
- Placement is key – nuthatches like birdhouses placed high up on tree trunks preferably under overhangs or eaves.
Overall, nuthatches do readily use birdhouses, especially if the box meets their particular requirements. Offering a custom nuthatch birdhouse can be a great way to attract and observe these agile birds.
What types of habitats do nuthatches prefer?
Nuthatches live in wooded areas across most of North America. Their preferred habitat types include:
- Deciduous forests
- Pine forests
- Mixed conifer and hardwood forests
- Open wooded areas like parks and yards with mature trees
Mature trees with crevices, peeling bark and overhangs for nesting sites are key habitat components. Nuthatches also rely heavily on a ready supply of large insects like beetles found in dead wood. A habitat with rotting logs helps support the insects they feed on.
While nuthatches are found across many forest types, they prefer areas with large, mature trees. This is why they are more abundant in older forests than in younger regenerating stands. Trees that are at least 50-80 years old tend to form the cavities and have the insect supplies that nuthatches rely on.
What do nuthatches eat?
Nuthatches have a very specialized diet consisting mostly of insects and large invertebrates. Some of their common foods include:
- Beetles
- Caterpillars
- Ants
- Spiders
- Grubs
- Millipedes
They use their long, chisel-like bills to probe into crevices and under peeling bark to find food. Nuthatches also eat seeds and nuts, especially in winter when insects are scarce. They may visit bird feeders for foods like suet and peanuts.
When do nuthatches nest?
The nesting season for nuthatches varies across their range:
- In southern states, they nest February – July
- Further north, they nest April – June
Nuthatches are early nesters, often laying eggs weeks before many other backyard birds. They rarely raise more than one brood per year.
Nuthatches do not build elaborate nests. They simply line existing cavities with bark, grass and feathers. Nest sites may be reused year after year.
How many eggs do nuthatches lay?
A typical nuthatch clutch contains:
- 5-9 eggs
- 6-7 eggs is most common
The eggs are creamy white with reddish-brown spotting. The female incubates the eggs for about 12-14 days before they hatch.
Do both nuthatch parents care for the young?
Yes, both the male and female nuthatch feed and care for the young. Some of their roles include:
- Female incubates eggs and broods nestlings
- Male feeds female while she is nesting
- Both parents feed the nestlings
- Young are fed insects and invertebrates
- Fledglings are fed by the parents for several weeks after leaving the nest
Nuthatch young develop rapidly and often fledge just 18-25 days after hatching. This means the parents must work hard to find enough food for the growing chicks.
Do nuthatches migrate or stay put?
Most nuthatches in North America do not migrate and instead stay in their breeding territory year-round. Some key facts about nuthatch movements include:
- Northern populations may move short distances south but do not leave the country.
- Irruptive movements may occur in years with poor conifer seed crops.
- Younger birds may wander further than adults.
- They maintain and defend winter territories.
The only true migratory nuthatch in North America is the red-breasted nuthatch. This species breeds in Canada and the northern US but winters south throughout the US and Mexico in periodic irruptions.
What are some common nuthatch species?
The four main species of nuthatches found in North America include:
- White-breasted nuthatch – Most widespread; gray upperparts, white face and belly
- Red-breasted nuthatch – Smaller with blue-gray upperparts and reddish undersides
- Brown-headed nuthatch – Found in southeastern pine forests; brown cap and whitish belly
- Pygmy nuthatch – Tiny nuthatch of western pine forests; blue-gray coloration
There are just over two dozen recognized nuthatch species worldwide. The remaining species are found primarily in Asia and Europe.
Are nuthatch populations declining?
Some nuthatch species have seen population declines in recent decades while others remain widespread and numerous. For example:
- White-breasted nuthatches are common and have increased with forest regeneration and bird feeders.
- Brown-headed nuthatches have declined by over 50% in the last 50 years.
- Pygmy nuthatches are losing pine forest habitats but still common locally.
Habitat loss is the biggest threat facing nuthatches. Conservation measures aimed at mature forests and trees as well as standing dead snags can help support populations.
Species | Population Trend | Threats |
---|---|---|
White-breasted nuthatch | Increasing | Habitat loss |
Red-breasted nuthatch | Stable | Climate change |
Brown-headed nuthatch | Decreasing | Habitat loss |
Pygmy nuthatch | Decreasing locally | Pine forest loss |
Why do nuthatches wedge seeds into bark?
Nuthatches have a very interesting habit of wedging seeds and nuts into the crevices of tree bark. They do this to accomplish two goals:
- Caching food – Nuthatches wedge seeds and insects into bark to create scattered caches of food. This gives them options across their territory.
- Holding food – Bark crevices serve as vices that allow nuthatches to hold large seeds and hack away to open them.
This unusual behavior serves nuthatches well by making tree trunks into food pantries. The next time you see a nuthatch wedging a nut into bark, remember they are stocking their tree trunk “pantry”!
How do nuthatches walk down trees?
Nuthatches have specialized feet and legs that allow them to readily walk down tree trunks with head-first orientation. Some of their key adaptations include:
- Very short legs that allow them to hug the trunk
- Long claws that dig into bark
- Stiff tail feathers that prop them up
- Rear toe able to pivot almost 180 degrees to grip better
Their specialized feet, strong claws and unique posture give nuthatches superb balance and ability to readily walk down tree trunks. This helps them find food in crevices and under loose bark.
Why do nuthatches spackle nest holes?
Another unusual nuthatch behavior is smearing mud around the entrance to their nest cavities. This “spackling” behavior may serve several functions:
- Conceal the nest from predators
- Strengthen the nest hole
- Seal up gaps to prevent drafts
- Discourage competitors from entering the nest
Spackling also narrows the nest entrance. This defensive behavior makes their nest site more secure. So the next time you see a mud-ringed cavity on a tree, it may well be the work of diligent nuthatch parents!
How long do nuthatches live?
Nuthatches are relatively long-lived songbirds. Average lifespan ranges by species:
- White-breasted nuthatch: 2-7 years
- Red-breasted nuthatch: 2-3 years
- Brown-headed nuthatch: 3-12 years
- Pygmy nuthatch: up to 9 years
The oldest known wild nuthatch was a brown-headed nuthatch that lived to be nearly 13 years old. With their specialized behaviors and adaptations, healthy nuthatches are well equipped to live long lives in the trees!
How can you attract nuthatches to your yard?
Here are some tips to bring nuthatches to your yard:
- Offer peanuts, suet, black oil sunflower seeds or bark butter feeders
- Provide nest boxes with 1 1/8″ entrances mounted under eaves
- Preserve mature trees and dead snags
- Reduce tidiness – leave brush piles and leaf litter
- Plant native trees and shrubs
Nuthatches also appreciate water features like shallow bird baths or dripping taps. With some patience, catering to their needs can convince nuthatches to visit your backyard!
Conclusion
Nuthatches are fascinating birds skilled in prying seeds from crevices and walking down tree trunks. Understanding their preferences provides insight into the resources these agile birds need. Mature forests with old or dying trees provide ideal nuthatch habitat. They readily use customized nest boxes placed under eaves or on high trunks. While some species are declining, catering to nuthatches in your yard can support these unique and engaging birds. If you hear the nasal “yank-yank” call or see a fearless bird walking down a nearby tree, chances are you’re observing one of North America’s intrepid nuthatches!