The Red-breasted Nuthatch
One Feather at a Time — Ep. 12
The Red-breasted Nuthatch is smaller than its white-breasted cousin but just as easy to spot once you know what to look for. They have a rusty-orange chest, a black cap, and a bold white eyebrow that gives them a sharp, expressive look. I usually find them in coniferous areas—spruce, pine, and fir stands—especially in cooler months.
Red-breasted Nuthatch
They move quickly and often upside down, creeping along trunks and branches in search of insects and seeds. Their call is high-pitched and nasal, almost tinny, and they repeat it often while foraging. It’s one of those sounds that stands out once you’ve heard it a few times. They’re curious and bold. I’ve had them come surprisingly close while I was photographing other birds. They don’t seem too bothered by people, but they’re fast—so getting a clear shot takes patience.
Red-breasted Nuthatches nest in tree cavities, often in soft or decaying wood. They’re known for lining the entrance with sticky resin, which they collect from conifers. They’re year-round residents in many parts of Canada, but their numbers can shift depending on food availability. Some winters I see them often, other years not at all.
