Researchers Reveal the Mysterious Fall Movements of a Familiar Backyard Bird
New studies suggest that northern populations of White-breasted Nuthatches might also have irruptive years—and 2020 is one of them.
Adult female. Photo: David Mitchell/Flickr (CC BY 2.0)
Sitta canadensis
Conservation status | Numbers probably stable. Has expanded breeding range southward in some eastern states by nesting in plantings of ornamental conifers. |
---|---|
Family | Nuthatches |
Habitat | Conifer forests; in winter, also other trees. Nesting habitat almost always has many conifers, such as spruce, fir, hemlock, either in pure stands or mixed with deciduous trees. Mature forest preferred, perhaps because old decaying wood needed for nest sites. In migration and winter may appear in any wooded habitat, but conifers always chosen if available. |
Forages by climbing up and down trunk and branches of trees. Sometimes catches flying insects in the air. May cache food items in bark crevices.
5-6, sometimes 4-7. White, spotted with reddish-brown. Female incubates, male brings food to female on and off nest. Incubation period about 12 days. Young: Both parents feed nestlings; young leave nest about 2-3 weeks after hatching. Probably 1 brood per year.
Both parents feed nestlings; young leave nest about 2-3 weeks after hatching. Probably 1 brood per year.
Includes both insects and seeds. Feeds mainly on insects and spiders in summer; in winter, eats many seeds, especially those of conifers. Young are fed mostly or entirely on insects and spiders.
Unlike other nuthatches, has a soft musical song, used especially in courtship by male. In courtship display, male turns his back toward female, raises head, droops wings, and sways from side to side. Male also feeds female in courtship. Nest: Both sexes excavate nest cavity in rotten stub or snag, usually 5-40' above ground, rarely much higher. Rarely use old woodpecker holes or birdhouses. Sticky pitch is smeared around entrance to nest hole; this may prevent other creatures from entering. Adults avoid getting stuck in pitch by flying straight into hole. Apparently female does most of work of nest building. Nest in cavity made of soft grass, moss, bark fibers, feathers.
Audubon’s scientists have used 140 million bird observations and sophisticated climate models to project how climate change will affect this bird’s range in the future.
Zoom in to see how this species’s current range will shift, expand, and contract under increased global temperatures.
Choose a temperature scenario below to see which threats will affect this species as warming increases. The same climate change-driven threats that put birds at risk will affect other wildlife and people, too.
New studies suggest that northern populations of White-breasted Nuthatches might also have irruptive years—and 2020 is one of them.
Between December 14 and January 5, participants will join the world’s longest-running wildlife census, which contributes invaluable data to bird population research.
Huddling together and fluffing up are some of the ways that birds protect themselves from the chills of winter.
Let us send you the latest in bird and conservation news.
Visit your local Audubon center, join a chapter, or help save birds with your state program.
Membership benefits include one year of Audubon magazine and the latest on birds and their habitats. Your support helps secure a future for birds at risk.
Our email newsletter shares the latest programs and initiatives.