Eurasian Nuthatch
Sitta europaea
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Eurasian Nuthatch is a small bird with a distinctive appearance. Its upper body is blue-grey, contrasting with a bright white underside and black eye stripe. The short, powerful bill and strong feet are key features for its climbing habits.
Both sexes look similar, though females may reveal a brown (not black) stripe on their faces and slightly paler plumage above and below.
Juveniles resemble adults but with less vibrant colouration. There are no significant seasonal plumage changes in this species.
Size
Length
12cm to 14.5cm
Wingspan
22.5cm to 27cm
Weight
18g to 27g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Blue Grey White
Secondary Colour
Black Buff
Beak Colour
Black
Leg Colour
Brown
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
The Eurasian Nuthatch is widely distributed across temperate regions of Europe and Asia. It inhabits mature deciduous and mixed forests, preferring oak woodlands, but is also found in parks and large gardens with old trees.
In the UK, it is common in England and Wales but scarce in Scotland. The species is absent from Ireland. Its range extends eastward through temperate Asia to Japan, with populations varying in density across this broad distribution.
Elevation Range
Up to 2,400 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Subarctic
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Eurasian Nuthatch. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The Eurasian Nuthatch displays remarkable agility, being one of the few birds capable of moving headfirst down tree trunks with ease. Its acrobatic climbing abilities and nimble movements in search of food demonstrate exceptional agility for a small bird.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
Despite its small size, the Eurasian Nuthatch possesses considerable strength relative to its body. Its ability to hammer open nuts and seeds, coupled with its strong feet for gripping bark, indicates above-average strength for a bird of its size.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
This species shows high adaptability, thriving in various woodland habitats across a wide geographic range. Its capacity to utilise both natural cavities and artificial nest boxes, along with its varied diet, further demonstrates its adaptable nature.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Eurasian Nuthatches are notably territorial, fiercely defending their breeding areas year-round. This behaviour, combined with their solitary nature outside of breeding pairs, suggests a relatively high level of aggressiveness for a small passerine.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
While not migratory, the Eurasian Nuthatch displays moderate endurance through its active foraging behaviour and ability to survive harsh winter conditions. However, its relatively short lifespan of 2-3 years suggests limitations in long-term endurance compared to some other bird species.
Diet
Eurasian Nuthatches have a varied diet consisting mainly of insects, seeds, and nuts. They prefer caterpillars, beetles and other insects found on the trunks and branches of trees. Acorns, nuts, beech mast, and seeds become increasingly important in the winter.
They are known for their habit of wedging large food items, such as acorns or hazelnuts, into bark crevices and then hammering them open with their strong bill. This behaviour gives them their common name 'nuthatch'.
Behaviour
Eurasian Nuthatches are known for their agile climbing abilities, often seen moving headfirst down tree trunks. They are non-migratory and highly territorial, fiercely defending their breeding areas year-round.
These birds are typically solitary or found in pairs, rarely joining mixed-species flocks outside the breeding season.
Vocalisation
The Eurasian Nuthatch has a varied vocal repertoire. Its most common call is a loud, clear 'twit-twit-twit' or 'wit-wit-wit', often repeated.
During the breeding season, males produce a melodious whistling song, described as a series of fluty notes that rise and fall in pitch. The alarm call is a sharp, piercing 'tuit'.
Nesting & Breeding
Eurasian Nuthatches form monogamous pairs and begin breeding in early spring. Males court females with wing-fluttering displays and offering food. They are cavity nesters, often using old woodpecker holes or natural tree cavities.
The female constructs the nest, lining the cavity with bark flakes, leaves, and grass. She typically lays 5-8 white eggs with reddish-brown spots. The eggs are incubated for about 13-18 days.
Both parents feed the nestlings, which fledge after 23-25 days. The young may stay with their parents for several weeks after leaving the nest before becoming fully independent.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
The Eurasian Nuthatch is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. Its population is stable across much of its range, benefiting from widespread woodland habitats. However, local declines may occur due to forest fragmentation and loss of mature trees.
Conservation efforts focus on maintaining diverse woodland ecosystems.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Eurasian Nuthatches in mature deciduous or mixed woodlands
- Listen for their distinctive 'twit-twit-twit' call
- Observe tree trunks and branches for their characteristic head-down climbing behaviour
- In the UK, check bird feeders in gardens near wooded areas
- Use binoculars to spot their unique blue-grey and white plumage
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Predators
Main predators of the Eurasian Nuthatch include sparrowhawks, domestic cats, and small mammals such as pine martens and squirrels. Woodpeckers may also prey on eggs and nestlings.
Did You Know?
- Eurasian Nuthatches can move headfirst down tree trunks, a skill few other birds possess. In fact, they are the only bird in Europe that can do this.
- They often plaster mud around their nest hole entrance to adjust its size and deter predators.
- These birds can store food in bark crevices for later consumption, especially during winter.
FAQs
How to attract Nuthatches
Nuthatches are not the most common garden birds in the UK, but they are often attracted to offerings of peanuts and sunflower seeds.
They may visit a bird table, but they will also happily cling to hanging mesh feeders or eat fat or peanut butter smeared on a tree trunk. Adding a shallow birdbath and a purpose-made nest box can also improve your chances of attracting these birds.
Are Nuthatches friendly birds?
Nuthatches can be decidedly unfriendly towards other birds, particularly at bird feeders. They are also quick to fight with neighbouring Nuthatches.
References
- 1 2
website: BirdLife International. 2018. Sitta europaea. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T103879804A132199203.
View source - 3 4
report, 2015: EBCC
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