Backyard Birds

Red-Breasted Nuthatch

Length:

4.5″

Wing Span:

6.3-7.1″

Natural Habitat:

Forests dominated by firs and spruces, conifer plantations or residential neighborhoods with conifers

Features:

(M) bold face pattern: Inky black crown and nape; prominent white supercilium extending from sides of forehead to sides of nape and separating the crown from the very broad, black eye line. Upperparts otherwise a deep blue-gray. Wings are edged blue-gray. Whitish chin and throat blend into buff breast and rich buff belly, flanks, and undertail coverts. (F) Similar to male, but black on head is paler, more lead-colored, often contrasting with blacker nape. Wings are edged dull gray with a brownish or olive tinge. Upperparts are duller gray; underparts are less richly colored.

Season:

Winter