Bird of the Week 2/17/21 - White Breasted Nuthatch
White Breasted Nuthatch
Basics: The Upside-down bird! This species often climbs upside down on tree trunks and branches. These birds have clean black, gray, and white markings. Song is a rapid series of low-pitched nasal sounds: “whe-whe-whe-whe-whe.” The call is nasal yank or “yank-yank” and is lower-pitched than the red-breasted nuthatch. They can be found in mature deciduous trees, in forests, woodlands, parks, and suburban areas.
Housing: These birds typically nest in a natural tree cavity or in an old woodpecker hole, although they may use a birdhouse. Leaving some dead tree trunks in wooded areas can be helpful for nesting.
Food: In our backyards, Nuthatches will eat sunflower seeds, peanuts and peanut butter, and suet.
How to attract: Offer the foods mentioned above, water, shelter and nesting sites.
Fact: With a little patience, you can get nuthatches to eat from your hand. Let them get used to you by a feeder, then hold out your hand with sunflower seeds in it.
Tip: They can be quite aggressive at feeders. With wings spread, they will swing from side to side to keep other birds away.