Taxonomy/Description
Of the
two species of the Nuthatch family, Sittidae, found in
Western New York, the Red-breasted Nuthatch and the
White-breasted Nuthatch, the White-breasted is
distinguished from the Red-breasted by its larger size,
black crown, and bright white face and under parts.
Although the White-breasted also has some rusty markings
underneath it, the red is much more apparent in the
Red-breasted.
photo Ivan Andrijevic
Habitat/Diet
The White-breasted Nuthatch is a year-round resident of
generally mature deciduous woodland, but also mixed
deciduous and coniferous forest; occasionally in
residential areas. They favor woodland edges over more
central locations, preferring open areas (water, roads,
clearings, fields) near the nest.
Its diet consists of a variety of insects that collects
from tree bark as well as seeds and nuts. During fall
and winter, individuals regularly scatter hoard food;
they disperse stores throughout their territory, using
each storage site only once.
Behavior/Reproduction
The White-breasted Nuthatch
will cling to the sides of trees, often climbing downward head first,
foraging for insects inside the bark. While foraging, they often chip away
bark with beak to reveal food hidden in crevices. When individuals find a
food item they often wedge it into a bark crevice and hammer with the bill
to open or tear it apart.
White-breasted Nuthatches form monogamous pairs but it is only the female
that constructs the nest. The nests are made in cavities within the trees,
sometimes using old woodpecker holes. It is lined with fur, grasses, and
pieces of bark. The female then incubates 5-8 eggs for 12 days. The young
are altricial when hatched which means they are helpless, blind and
immobile. Both sexes tend to young after hatching. The young will leave the
nest 12 days after hatching.
Where to see them in WNY
White-breasted Nuthatches
are year-round residents and are widespread throughout most of Western New
York. They can be found in many local parks and cemeteries including Forest
Lawn Cemetery, Tifft Nature Preserve many of our state parks as well as
Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge.
