Red Breasted Nuthatch Bird – Passerines – 10/19/2012

The male Red-Breasted Nuthatch was photographed at bird feeders in Muskego, Wisconsin

This female Red-Breasted Nuthatch was photographed in the tree on a cloudy day in Muskego, Wisconsin

Select this link to see photos or a slideshow of the Red Breasted Nuthatch

The Red-Breasted Nuthatch has a gray back, a black cap, a white stripe above the eye, a black stripe through the eye, and rusty underparts. It is compact, short tailed, and strong clawed. They nest further north and higher in the mountains than their relatives the White-Breasted Nuthatch. It has a range of southeastern Alaska, Canada, and western and northeastern United Sates. Its habitat is conifer and other trees. The diet is mostly insects and seeds. The Red-Breasted Nuthatch came to the feeders with other White-Breasted Nuthatches and Black-Capped Chickadees.

 

White Breasted Nuthatch Bird – Passerines – 10/12/2010

The White Breasted Nuthatch is identified with a black cap, and a beady black eye on a white face with gray top parts.

Select this link to see photos or a slideshow of the White Breasted Nuthatch

The White Breasted Nuthatch has a black cap, and a beady black eye on a white face. The under tail converts are chestnut. Nuthatches climb down trees headfirst. They have a habitat in forests, woodlots, groves, river woods, shade trees and feeders. They can be found in the eastern half of the United States. Food is bark insects, seeds, and nuts; attracted by suet, sunflower seeds. They regularly cache food in bark crevices on their territory.