White-breasted Nuthatch -- South Dakota Birds

White-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta carolinensis

A very common visitor to winter home feeders, often forming mixed flocks with Brown Creepers, Chickadees, and Downy Woodpeckers.  White-breasted Nuthatches are often seen foraging upside-down on tree trunks, as in the photo on the right.  They will take seeds and wedge them into crevices in a tree's bark, using it to hold the food item while they break it open with their beaks. 

Habitat: Forests, woodlots, groves, residential areas.

Diet: Mostly insects, also seeds.  Eats mostly insects during summer, supplementing with seeds in the winter. 

Nesting: May through July

Breeding map: Breeding bird survey map

Song: White-breasted Nuthatch Call

Migrations: Not migratory, usually a permanent resident.

Feeders: Suet, seeds, peanuts

Birdhouses: Will use nest boxes.

Similar Species: Red-breasted Nuthatch

Status: The species is  very widespread and common, and faces no immanent threats to their populations.  Populations are thought to be increasing in many areas, especially as they've become very accustomed to taking advantage of feeders.

Further Information: 1) USGS Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, White-breasted Nuthatch

2) Cornell Lab of Ornithology - White-breasted Nuthatch

3) eNature.com: White-breasted Nuthatch

Photo Information: April 20th, 2005 - Brandon  - Terry Sohl

Additional Photos: Click on the image chips or text links below for additional, higher-resolution White-breasted Nuthatch photos.

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Please mail any comments/suggestions/additional links for this page to: Terry L. Sohl

This page was last edited on 02/03/08