RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH, Sitta canadensis

January

Photo by Richard A. Danca

A winter visitor in our area, less common and smaller than the white-breasted nuthatch. It prefers coniferous woods but comes to feeders occasionally. It moves headfirst down tree trunks, probing for insects. It is best identified by its dark eye-line on a white background, and its rust-colored breast. Its voice is described as a “yank-yank,” sounding like a toy trumpet.

More information

All About Birds

eBird

Nature of New England

Wikipedia