Bird Guide: Nuthatch

Take a look at our Nuthatch bird guide. These birds can be identified by their peachy coloured breast and bluey/grey back. Unlike most other species, it is not uncommon to see these birds climbing down tree trunks head first. They reside in England and Wales but have recently began to breed in Southern Scotland. They tend to live in the woods and live off insects and seeds.

To find out more about other birds, take a look at our interactive bird guide.

About

These birds can be identified by their peachy coloured breast and blue/grey back. Unlike most other species, it is not uncommon to see these birds climbing down tree trunks head first. 

Locations

Nuthatches are seen in many across England but not Scotland.

Breeding

Nuthatches breeding season is from March to June. They lay one brood per year, in either nest boxes or a tree hollow. Eggs are white in colour with reddish brown specks and incubation takes around 16-17 days

Habitat

Woodlands and gardens

Diet

Seeds

BTO Facts

According to Garden BirdWatch data, which has been collected since 1995, Nuthatches are most frequently seen in gardens during November, when they are seen in around 17% of gardens. They have increased in gardens since Garden BirdWatch began. There is some evidence to suggest that mild winters and the availability of food in the autumn are contributing factors to this increase.