Tree Clinging

White-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta carolinensis
White-breasted Nuthatch thumbnail
Length: 6 in. (15 cm )
Distinctive with its ability to walk head first down tree trunks and undersides of branches, the White-breasted Nuthatch is more frequently found in broad-leafed forests and at lower elevations than other smaller species of nuthatches. It feeds on insects and spiders gleaned from bark, but during the winter it also savors nuts, acorns and seeds. A regular participant in mixed species feeding flocks, this species is one of the most obvious members. The nest is in a small tree cavity or abandoned woodpecker hole.

The four-digit banding code is WBNU.

Female | Herbert Clarke

Male | Oliver Niehuis


Fir forest

Oak-pine woodland

Riparian / River forest
Bird Sound Type: Buzzing
Sex of Bird: Male
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Bibliographic details:

  • Article: White-breasted Nuthatch
  • Author(s): Dr. Biology
  • Publisher: Arizona State University School of Life Sciences Ask A Biologist
  • Site name: ASU - Ask A Biologist
  • Date published: July 13, 2017
  • Date accessed: March 7, 2024
  • Link: https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/bird/white-breasted-nuthatch

APA Style

Dr. Biology. (2017, July 13). White-breasted Nuthatch. ASU - Ask A Biologist. Retrieved March 7, 2024 from https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/bird/white-breasted-nuthatch

American Psychological Association. For more info, see http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/10/

Chicago Manual of Style

Dr. Biology. "White-breasted Nuthatch". ASU - Ask A Biologist. 13 July, 2017. https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/bird/white-breasted-nuthatch

MLA 2017 Style

Dr. Biology. "White-breasted Nuthatch". ASU - Ask A Biologist. 13 Jul 2017. ASU - Ask A Biologist, Web. 7 Mar 2024. https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/bird/white-breasted-nuthatch

Modern Language Association, 7th Ed. For more info, see http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/08/
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