Popular North American Wild Birds – Nuthatch

Nuthatch

Red-breasted Nuthatch – Sitta canadensis

White-breasted Nuthatch – Sitta Carolinensis

Habitat

Nuthatches are primarily found in coniferous woods.

Feeding Habits in the Wild

Nuthatches creep head first down tree trunks searching for insects. They also eat the seeds of conifers (pine, spruce, fir) while probing the bark, leaves or needles. Nuthatches can crack nuts in shell and eat weed seeds above snow level in the winter.

Preferred Feeder Types

Suet Feeders, Hanging Feeders, and Platform Feeders with Sunflower and Peanuts

Species Facts

Nuthatches have a fascinating habit of going down trees upside down. In the winter Nuthatches concentrate primarily consume conifer seeds, hibernating insects, and insect larvae. Nuthatches will often store nuts and seeds in bark crevices for later consumption.

Preferred Food at the Feeder

Oil Sunflower, Suet, Chopped Nuts, Sunflower Hearts and Chips, Stripe Sunflower, Roasted Peanut Chips, Mealworms, Squash Seeds, Safflower Seeds, Cracked Corn, Oats, and Peanuts in Shell.