Species profile
White-breasted Nuthatch
Sitta carolinensis
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Sittidae
- Conservation status
- Not assessed here
identification
Compact bird with a white face and breast, blue-gray back, dark cap, and long slightly upturned bill.
habitat
Mature deciduous woods, mixed forests, parks, and wooded suburbs.
range
Resident across much of temperate North America.
behavior
Climbs headfirst down trunks and branches while probing bark crevices; caches food.
diet
Insects, seeds, and nuts.
voice
Repeated nasal yank call and soft contact notes.
seasonality
Resident or seasonal migrant depending on region.
Related species
Sources
Taxonomy, identification, natural history, and conservation references. Follow source links for current assessments.