red-breasted nuthatch

bird

Also known as: Sitta canadensis

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Last updated

July 17, 2026

Quick Summary

The red-breasted nuthatch (Sitta canadensis) is a small bird found in coniferous forests. It is characterized by its bluish-gray and black upperparts, and white and reddish underparts.1

Nuthatches, in general, are known for their unique ability to grip tree bark and move up, down, and around trunks and branches, even hanging upside down. This allows them to forage for insects and seeds in areas that other birds might miss. They are also known for storing seeds in bark crevices and using these crevices to crack open hard seeds by pounding them with their bills. All nuthatch species are cavity nesters. The red-breasted nuthatch is a common species in North America, often approaching humans in its habitat.2

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nuthatch
…in North America are the red-breasted nuthatch (Sitta canadensis), a stubby, grayish, rufous-breasted, 10-gram (0.35-ounce) bird that often boldly approaches humans in northern conifer groves, and the white-breasted nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis), a grayish, black-capped, white-breasted, 21-gram (0.74-ounce) bird that often frequents feeders, where it relishes sunflower seeds and suet.
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…in North America are the red-breasted nuthatch (Sitta canadensis), a stubby, grayish, rufous-breasted, 10-gram (0.35-ounce) bird that often boldly approaches humans in northern conifer groves, and the white-breasted nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis), a grayish, black-capped, white-breasted, 21-gram (0.74-ounce) bird that often frequents feeders, where it relishes sunflower seeds and suet.
Read More