White-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta carolinensis

Tree Clinging

Length: 6 in. (15 cm )

Distinctive with its ability to walk head first down tree trunks and undersides of branches, the White-breasted Nuthatch is more frequently found in broad-leafed forests and at lower elevations than other smaller species of nuthatches. It feeds on insects and spiders gleaned from bark, but during the winter it also savors nuts, acorns and seeds. A regular participant in mixed species feeding flocks, this species is one of the most obvious members. The nest is in a small tree cavity or abandoned woodpecker hole.

The four-digit banding code is WBNU.

Female | Herbert Clarke

Male | Oliver Niehuis

Fir forest

Oak-pine woodland

Riparian / River forest

Download Sound

Bird Sound Type: Buzzing
Sex of Bird: Male

Sonogram Large:

Sonogram Zoom:

You may need to edit author's name to meet the style formats, which are in most cases "Last name, First name."

https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/bird/white-breasted-nuthatch

Bibliographic details:

Article: White-breasted Nuthatch
Author(s): Dr. Biology
Publisher: Arizona State University School of Life Sciences Ask A Biologist
Site name: ASU - Ask A Biologist
Date published: 13 Jul, 2017
Date accessed:
Link: https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/bird/white-breasted-nuthatch

APA Style

Dr. Biology. (Thu, 07/13/2017 - 15:38). White-breasted Nuthatch. ASU - Ask A Biologist. Retrieved from https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/bird/white-breasted-nuthatch

American Psychological Association. For more info, see http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/10/

Chicago Manual of Style

Dr. Biology. "White-breasted Nuthatch". ASU - Ask A Biologist. 13 Jul 2017. https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/bird/white-breasted-nuthatch

For more info, see http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/717/04/

MLA 2017 Style

Dr. Biology. "White-breasted Nuthatch". ASU - Ask A Biologist. 13 Jul 2017. ASU - Ask A Biologist, Web. https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/bird/white-breasted-nuthatch

Modern Language Association, 7th Ed. For more info, see http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/08/

Influenza virus colorized image from the CDC

How realistic is the movie Contagion?

Answer >>

Be Part of
Ask A Biologist

By volunteering, or simply sending us feedback on the site. Scientists, teachers, writers, illustrators, and translators are all important to the program. If you are interested in helping with the website we have a Volunteers page to get the process started.

Donate icon Contribute