The distinctive blue-grey acrobat of European forests, equally at home shuffling headfirst down tree trunks as it is darting among branches.

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

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Resident
Breeding
Vagrant

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Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Agility 95
Strength 70
Adaptability 85
Aggressiveness 75
Endurance 65

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.

Lifespan

Typical Lifespan Range 2 - 3 years
Max Recorded Lifespan 12 years [1]
0
4
7
11
14

years

The Eurasian Nuthatch typically lives for 2 to 3 years, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 12 years.

Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.

Conservation and Status

Global Conservation Status

Least Concern [2]

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.

Population Data

Global Population Estimate

20,000,000 - 50,000,000 mature individuals [3]

Global Population Trend

Stable[4]

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

Other names:

Wood Nuthatch

Family:

Sittidae

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?

  1. 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.
  2. They often plaster mud around their nest hole entrance to adjust its size and deter predators.
  3. These birds can store food in bark crevices for later consumption, especially during winter.

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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 3

    website: BirdLife International. 2018. Sitta europaea. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T103879804A132199203.

    View source
  2. 1 4

    report, 2015: EBCC