ExploreBirds

White-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta carolinensis

The White-breasted Nuthatch is a small bird with a white belly and a blue-gray back. They love to climb trees and can often be seen hanging upside down while looking for food!

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The White-breasted Nuthatch has a striking blue-gray back, a bright white chest, and a contrasting black cap. Its sharp, pointed bill and short tail distinguish it from other small forest birds.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPasseriformesFamilySittidaeGenusSitta
White-breasted Nuthatch
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White-breasted Nuthatch

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

"Nuthatch" means "nut hacker" because they famously wedge nuts into bark to open them!

Their distinctive "yank-yank" call is often one of the first sounds heard in the morning forest!

These clever birds sometimes smear insects or plants around their nest entrance to keep predators away!

They often line their cozy nests with soft fur or pieces of bark to make them extra warm.

Special abilities

Ability

Gravity Defier

White-breasted Nuthatch can climb down tree trunks headfirst because of its strong claws and unique leg structure.

Ability

Crevice Explorer

White-breasted Nuthatch can expertly extract insects and seeds from tiny bark crevices because of its sharp, pointed beak.

Ability

Food Stasher

White-breasted Nuthatch has a clever memory that helps them hide seeds and nuts in bark for later snacks.

Measurements & details

Length
13-14 cm
Wingspan
20-27 cm
Weight
0.02-0.03 kg
Lifespan
2-10 years
Top Speed
35 km/h
Clutch Size
5-9
Incubation
12-14 days

Diet & Feeding

A diet of insects and seeds keeps this bird healthy year-round.

Primary Foods

  • Insects
  • Spiders
  • Acorns
  • Sunflower Seeds
  • Peanuts
  • Pecans

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Enjoy watching birds from a distance, and don't try to touch or catch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is White-breasted Nuthatch?

13-14 cm

What is White-breasted Nuthatch's wingspan?

20-27 cm

How much does White-breasted Nuthatch weigh?

0.02-0.03 kg

How long does White-breasted Nuthatch live?

2-10 years

How fast can White-breasted Nuthatch move?

35 km/h

What does White-breasted Nuthatch eat?

A diet of insects and seeds keeps this bird healthy year-round.

Where is White-breasted Nuthatch usually found?

Forests

How does White-breasted Nuthatch hunt?

Foraging

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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