Nuthatches are members of the genus Sitta and are located worldwide. North America is home to four species; White-breasted Nuthatch, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Brown-headed Nuthatch, and Pygmy Nuthatch. I have observed and photographed only the first two nuthatches, but hopefully I will be able to see and photograph the other two in the future.
Nuthatches name comes from nut hacker, reflecting the bird’s method of opening up nuts by jamming them into a crevice then hammering at the nuts with their sharp beak.
Both nuthatches are very agile, creeping along trunks and branches, upwards, sideways and upside down, probing into the bark for small insects.
Red-breasted nuthatches are mainly found in the conifers woods and mountains of North America. In the northeastern portion of North America, they can be also found in the deciduous tree forests. In portions of their range, they are only found in winter.
White-breasted nuthatches are found in mature woods and woodland edges and they are common, year-round throughout their range.
Both birds will come to feeders to grab sunflower seeds.
So in this cold, snowy winter keep the feeders filled and watch the birds come.
Myer Bornstein
I photograph the natural beauty of Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island and other locations Country and elsewhere. I also publish a blog about the area and other interesting vistas and locations.
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