Red-breasted Nuthatch

November 15, 2018

Red-breasted Nuthatch
Sitta canadensis

by Stefan Martin
By now, most of us have noticed a particular trend this season with the arrivals of certain “irruptive” winter species highlighted in the 2018-2019 Winter Finch Forecast.

Purple Finch and Pine Siskin flocks have been abundant throughout the state so far and, as predicted, Evening Grosbeaks have even started to make an appearance. Who knows, maybe we’ll even get some redpolls or chasable crossbills!

While all of these birds are exciting in their own way, I can’t help but find myself excited for another species associated with these “irruption” years—the Red-breasted Nuthatch.

Where and when to find them: During “irruption” years, you can find this bird without much effort at all and, in some locations, you can see numerous individuals consistently for several weeks during fall migration. Virtually every habitat type throughout the state will have Red-breasted Nuthatches passing through including suburban neighborhoods and parks; they will regularly visit backyard sunflower and suet feeders. Some backyard feeders may even keep this species around all winter long. During non-irruption winters, you can look for Red-breasted Nuthatches in evergreen stands and, again, backyard feeders.

Unlike the other species mentioned above (excluding Purple Finch), Red-breasted Nuthatches breed in Connecticut. Unfortunately, statewide nesting populations and occurrence seem to be declining as a whole because of habitat loss from humans and pests alike. Thankfully for us, this species continues to utilize some of the remaining suitable habitat. During nesting season, you can see or hear Red-breasted Nuthatches among conifer stands and typically, near water. Spruce, pine, and hemlock groves are all favorite habitat types but aspen trees remain a favorite for cavity excavation. One of the most reliable places to see this species during the summer months is at White Memorial in Litchfield County.

What it sounds like: Very similar to White-breasted Nuthatch but much more “nasally.” Basically, think plugging your nose and doing a high to medium-pitched “yank, yank, yank” or “eh, eh, eh.”

What it looks like: A stout, energetic, blue-gray songbird with stubby legs and red flanks that fade into a pale-red breast. A contrasting black and white facial pattern with a dramatic black stripe extending through the eye into a long-thin bill. Males average brighter than females.

Look for their typical nuthatch behavior as they whorl up and down tree trunks and branches feeding under bark or in pine cones.

Conservation status: Although Connecticut populations seem to be declining, overall populations are healthy and is listed by the IUCN as a species of Least Concern.

Stefan Martin leads bird walks and conducts annual surveys for the Connecticut Audubon Society and National Audubon.