Eurasian Nuthatch

Sitta europaea

Genus · Nuthatches Family · Nuthatches
Observation tips Difficulty: EASY
Best time
🕒 Any
Activity
☀️ Diurnal
Best months
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Observation habitat
Bird feederTree branchesTree trunks

Look for a bird moving vertically down a tree trunk. Listen for the loud 'dwip' call and the sound of rhythmic hammering on bark.

Eurasian Nuthatch

♂ Male · ♀ Female

Stats
Wingspan22–27 cm
Weight17–28 g
Length12–15 cm
Lifespan wild2–10 yrs
Size
XS
S
M
L
XL
Nesting
Nest typeCavity
Clutch size6–9 eggs
Incubation14–18 days
Breeding months
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Regional Status (Europe)
LC
Least Concern (Europe)
IUCN Red List
MigrationResident
Social BehaviourMonogamous pairs

Diet: Omnivore

🦗Insects
🥜Nuts
🌻Seeds

Habitat

🌳 Forest deciduous🌲🌳 Forest mixed🏡 Garden🏙️ Urban
✦ Fun Fact

They are one of the few woodland birds that remain in their territory year-round, rarely migrating even in harsh winters.

About

A powerful bird of mature woodlands and parks. The Nuthatch is the only European bird that can climb down tree trunks head-first. It has a blue-grey back and a black 'bandit' eye-stripe. It is a territorial resident known for its loud, ringing calls.

Behaviour

Nuthatches are famous for 'plastering' their nest holes with mud. They reduce the entrance size until it perfectly fits their body. They are hoarders and wedge seeds into bark crevices to hammer them open. Their song is a series of loud, clear whistles.

Sexual Dimorphism

♂ Male

Features deep chestnut-red flanks and undertail feathers. These contrast sharply with his buff-colored belly.

♀ Female

Has paler flanks. They are usually a light orange-buff rather than the deep chestnut seen on the male.

Similar species

Eurasian Treecreeper
🐦
Eurasian Treecreeper
Certhia familiaris
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