In British Columbia, there are three types of nuthatches that bird enthusiasts can observe and enjoy. Nuthatches are known for their unique behavior of foraging on trees in any orientation, often seen climbing down trees headfirst. The first type is the White-breasted Nuthatch, a compact bird with distinctive white cheeks and chest, accompanied by a blue-gray back. They are commonly found in deciduous forests but adapt well to human presence, often seen at parks and wooded backyards. The second type is the Red-breasted Nuthatch, a small songbird with a black crown and beautiful blue-gray back. They breed in Canada and the western mountains, but can be found almost anywhere during winter. They are most commonly found in coniferous forests in British Columbia. Lastly, the Pygmy Nuthatch, described as little bundles of energy, can be found in long-needled pine forests, particularly Ponderosa Pines. They are extremely social birds and known as cooperative breeders. Whether it’s the distinctive vocalizations or their fascinating nesting habits, these nuthatches offer a delightful sight for birdwatchers in British Columbia.
White-breasted Nuthatch
The White-breasted Nuthatch is a common visitor to backyard bird feeders in British Columbia. These birds are easy to identify with their compact body, no neck, short tail, and long pointy bill. They have distinctive white cheeks and chest, along with a blue-gray back. Male White-breasted Nuthatches have a black cap on the top of their heads, while females have a lighter gray crown. These nuthatches are often found in deciduous forests but adapt well to living near humans and can be seen in parks, cemeteries, and wooded backyards.
To attract White-breasted Nuthatches to your backyard, provide them with high-quality food such as sunflower seeds, peanuts, suet, safflower seeds, and mealworms. Avoid birdseed mixes that contain grains like milo, as nuthatches and other songbirds do not eat them. Hanging a nest box can also help attract these birds, as they use natural cavities or holes created by woodpeckers to nest and raise their young.
White-breasted Nuthatches are vocal birds and make distinctive noises. In late winter and spring, males sing a nasally, rapid “wha-wha-wha” song that lasts 2-3 seconds. They also make a loud and repetitive “yank” call throughout the year. These birds got their name from their habit of jamming acorns and nuts into tree bark, then using their sharp bills to “hatch” out the seeds.
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Red-breasted Nuthatches are active and colorful songbirds. They have compact bodies, almost no neck, a very short tail, and a black crown. They also have two distinctive eyelines, one white and one black. Their back is a beautiful blue-gray, while their belly features a cinnamon coloring. Female Red-breasted Nuthatches have duller heads and paler underparts compared to males.
These nuthatches breed in Canada, the western mountains, and the upper northeast and can be found in British Columbia during the winter. They prefer coniferous forests, in contrast to the White-breasted Nuthatches, who prefer deciduous forests. Red-breasted Nuthatches are common visitors to bird feeders and can use almost every type of feeder due to their acrobatic ability and small size.
The distinctive call of Red-breasted Nuthatches is a fast series of nasally “yank-yank-yank” sounds, comparable to a toy tin horn. These calls are often made by males still looking for a mate. To protect their nest cavity from predators, both male and female Red-breasted Nuthatches apply conifer tree resin to the entrance hole, creating a sticky barrier.
Pygmy Nuthatch
The Pygmy Nuthatch is a tiny and highly active bird known for its energy. These nuthatches can be found in British Columbia’s long-needled pine forests, especially Ponderosa Pines. They rely on older trees with cavities to raise their young, making them most common in areas with minimal logging.
Pygmy Nuthatches are social birds and exhibit cooperative breeding behavior. Many breeding pairs receive help from other males, often the females’ sons from previous years. These “helper” birds assist in defending the nest and feeding the incubating female and hatchlings. They travel and roost together, with observations of up to 100 birds gathering in the same cavity.
The most commonly heard call of Pygmy Nuthatches is described as a noisy and rapid “tee-dee, tee-dee” sound.
Comparison of Nuthatch Species
Size and Appearance
The White-breasted Nuthatch is a compact bird with no neck, a short tail, and a long pointy bill. It has distinctive white cheeks and chest, along with a blue-gray back. Male White-breasted Nuthatches have a black cap on the top of their heads, while females have a lighter gray crown.
Red-breasted Nuthatches are also compact, with almost no neck and a very short tail. They have a black crown and two distinctive eyelines, one white and the other black. Their back is a gorgeous blue-gray, and their belly has a cinnamon coloring.
Pygmy Nuthatches are tiny birds known for their energy and activity. They have a small size and distinctive features like other nuthatch species.
Range and Habitat
White-breasted Nuthatches are commonly found in deciduous forests in British Columbia but are also seen in parks, cemeteries, and wooded backyards.
Red-breasted Nuthatches breed in Canada, the western mountains, and the upper northeast. They can be found in British Columbia during the winter. They prefer coniferous forests.
Pygmy Nuthatches can be found in British Columbia’s long-needled pine forests, especially Ponderosa Pines.
Feeding Preferences
White-breasted Nuthatches enjoy eating large, juicy insects when available but readily visit bird feeders to supplement their diet. Their favorite foods include sunflower seeds, peanuts, suet, safflower seeds, and mealworms.
Red-breasted Nuthatches are common visitors to bird feeders. They can use almost every type of feeder due to their acrobatic ability and small size. They also eat sunflower seeds, peanuts, and suet.
Pygmy Nuthatches have specific habitat requirements and rely on older trees with cavities to raise their young. They may have specific feeding preferences related to their habitat.
Nesting Habits
White-breasted Nuthatches use natural cavities or holes created by woodpeckers to nest and raise their young. Hanging nest boxes can attract them as they are unable to excavate their own holes.
Red-breasted Nuthatches protect their nest cavities by applying conifer tree resin to the entrance hole. This sticky substance helps keep predators from entering.
Pygmy Nuthatches exhibit cooperative breeding behavior, with many breeding pairs receiving help from other males. They travel and roost together, often in the same cavity.
Behavior and Vocalizations
White-breasted Nuthatches are highly vocal birds. Males sing a nasally, rapid “wha-wha-wha” song in late winter and spring. They also make a loud and repetitive “yank” call throughout the year.
Red-breasted Nuthatches make a fast series of nasally “yank-yank-yank” sounds, comparable to a toy tin horn. These calls are often made by males still looking for a mate.
Pygmy Nuthatches produce a noisy and rapid “tee-dee, tee-dee” sound.
Similar Species
Brown-headed Nuthatch
Tufted Nuthatch
Other Nuthatch Species in North America
Conservation Status
Threats to Nuthatches in British Columbia
Conservation Efforts
Tips for Attracting Nuthatches
Bird Feeder Selection
Food Preferences
Nest Box Placement
Nuthatches in Popular Culture
Literature and Folklore
Nuthatches in Art and Photography
Interesting Facts about Nuthatches
Unique Foraging Behavior
Breeding and Mating Habits
Migration Patterns
Conclusion
