The nuthatch song is a series of loud, repetitive notes made by nuthatches to establish breeding territories and attract mates in the spring. Nuthatches are small songbirds found throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. They get their name from their habit of wedging nuts and seeds into tree bark to hammer them open.
What does the nuthatch song sound like?
The nuthatch song is a loud, nasal “yank-yank” or “ank-ank.” It is often described as sounding like a tin trumpet or a bicycle horn. The notes are repeated rapidly, sometimes up to 20 times per minute. Here are some key features of the nuthatch song:
- Loud volume – can be heard from 150 feet away
- Repetitive – the same “yank-yank” notes repeated quickly
- Nasal, tin-horn quality
- Fast tempo – up to 20 notes per minute
The song remains remarkably consistent across nuthatch species and regions. The volume and repetition help the territorial song carry through the forest. Below are audio clips of the nuthatch song from three common species:
Red-breasted Nuthatch Song
White-breasted Nuthatch Song
Pygmy Nuthatch Song
When do nuthatches sing?
Nuthatches sing their loud, repetitive territorial song primarily during the spring breeding season. Singing starts as early as January and February when pairs begin establishing nesting territories. The singing peaks in March, April, and May during active nesting and mating. Here is the typical timeframe:
- January-February: Early territorial singing
- March-May: Height of breeding season, frequent territorial singing
- June-July: Reduced singing, focused on nestlings
- August-December: Little to no territorial singing
Weather and regional climate impact the exact timing. Warmer southern regions may hear early singing in December or January. Colder northern areas peak in April and May. But the key months for nuthatch songs across North America are March through May.
Why do nuthatches sing?
Nuthatches sing their loud territorial songs for two main reasons:
- To claim nesting territories – By singing actively in an area, nuthatches establish it as their breeding ground and ward off competitors. Both males and females will sing though the males do so more frequently.
- To attract a mate – The persistent songs indicate the health and fitness of a male nuthatch. Females are drawn to males that can sustain long, loud song bouts.
Their songs essentially say “This is my territory!” and “I’m a fit male ready to breed!” Early in the season, the songs are broadcast widely across a range. Once a mate is attracted, singing becomes concentrated around the nesting cavity. The repetitive songs help the male and female stay in contact as they forage separately across their territory.
How does the nuthatch song vary by species?
While very similar across species, there are subtle differences between the songs of various nuthatch species. These song variations help the birds identify their own species. Here are comparisons of songs by three common North American species:
Species | Song Pattern | Distinguishing Features |
---|---|---|
Red-breasted Nuthatch | Repeated “yink” notes | Higher pitched Faster paced |
White-breasted Nuthatch | Repeated “yank” notes | Lower pitched Slower paced |
Pygmy Nuthatch | Repeated “yin-yin-yin” | Very high pitched Rapid notes |
Regional dialects in songs also help birds identify neighbors versus intruders. pine woods versus oak woodlands. Nuthatch songs are simple but carry a lot of meaning!
How do nuthatches sing so loudly?
Nuthatches produce their disproportionately loud territorial songs using specialized anatomy:
- Large syrinx – The vocal organ located at the branch point of the trachea has more mass in nuthatches compared to similar sized songbirds.
- Stout torso – Their compact, robust chest serves as an amplifier for song. The strong torso supports forceful air expulsion.
- Short, wide beak – Their stubby beak helps shape the unique resonance.
These physical adaptations allow nuthatches to broadcast loud, nasal songs from tree trunks and branches. The wooded habitats tend to disperse sound, so volume is key.
How does nuthatch song change over the season?
The singing patterns of nuthatches change as the breeding seasons progress:
Territorial Song Phase
Lasting from January-April, this phase features frequent loud songs marking the territory. Males sing steadily throughout the day, up to 20 songs per minute. There is urgency during territorial disputes.
Mate Attraction Song Phase
This phase lasts from March-May as pairs bond. Males sing softer, shorter versions of the song when approaching their mate. The songs help maintain contact and indicate readiness to breed.
Nesting Song Phase
During active nesting from April-July, songs become rare and muted. The parents are focused on incubating eggs and provisioning young rather than advertising territory.
Post-Breeding Song Phase
From August-December, territorial singing virtually ceases. Vocalizations are limited to occasional contact calls. The loud, repetitive territorial song only resumes as the next breeding season approaches.
By following the seasonal singing patterns, observers can determine each stage of the nuthatch breeding cycle.
How does nuthatch song compare to other birds?
The nuthatch song stands out from other common birds. Here’s how it compares:
Chickadees
Chickadees have a faster, higher-pitched “chick-a-dee” song. Their notes are more varied and complex versus the monotone nuthatch.
Woodpeckers
Woodpeckers drum a rhythmic beat on wood rather than singing a melodious song. Their drumming serves a similar territorial purpose as nuthatch song.
Titmouse
Titmice sing a wider variety of tones and sequences in their “peter-peter” song compared to the repetitive nuthatch.
Wrens
Wrens sing louder, longer, more complex songs than nuthatches. Their songs feature trills, warbles, and modulation.
The simple, nasal, tin-horn song makes the nuthatch one of the most recognizable birds of the spring forest. Their outsized voice projects authority from the tree trunks.
How can I attract nuthatches to my yard?
You can encourage nuthatches to visit your yard by providing their preferred habitat features:
- Trees and wooded areas – Nuthatches prefer mature trees, especially oaks, pines, and beeches.
- Dead standing trees (snags) – They forage on trunks and nest in cavities.
- Bird feeders – Offer small seeds like peanuts, sunflower seeds, and suet.
- Nest boxes – Provide nest boxes with 1-1/8″ diameter holes 6-20 feet up.
- Water – Supply a birdbath, stream, or fountain for drinking and bathing.
- Native plants – Provide berry producing shrubs like elderberry, serviceberry, and dogwood.
By making your yard attractive to nuthatches, you can enjoy front-row seats as they establish territories and sing from the trees in spring.
Conclusion
The loud, nasal “yank-yank” song of nuthatches is a quintessential sound of the spring forest. These small but vocal songbirds use their outsized voice to claim nesting territories and attract females. With a little understanding of their biology and behavior, observers can learn to identify nuthatch species by song and appreciate the cycling of the seasons marked by their constant singing. Providing habitat can bring the unique nuthatch concert right into your own backyard.