whitebreasted nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONFIRMATION STATUS: Confirmed.

 

IDENTIFICATION:

• Length: 5 inches

• Straight gray bill

• Black crown and nape

• White face and underparts

• Blue-gray upperparts

• Rusty undertail coverts

• Short tail

• Sexes similar but female duller

• Feeds by hopping along tree trunks and branches often hanging upside      down

Similar species:

Because of its unique feeding strategy, the white-breasted nuthatch is
most likely to confused with other nuthatches. Red-breasted nuthatch
has a black eyeline and reddish underparts. Brown-headed and pygmy
nuthatches have brown caps and a white patch on the nape. Red- breasted,

pygmy and brown-headed nuthatches are mostly found in pines while the

white-breasted prefers deciduous trees.

 

LIFE HISTORY

Migration Status: Permanent resident
Breeding Habitat: Woodland
Nest Location: Mid-story/canopy nesting
Nest Type: Cavity
Clutch Size: 5-10
Length of Incubation: 12 days
Days to Fledge: 14
Number of Broods: 1?
Diet: Mostly insects; lesser quantities of nuts and seeds

 

SKY MEADOWS DISTRIBUTION/SEASONAL OCCURRENCE

 

Relative abundance and seasonal occurrence are indicated in red below.

 

Relative abundance
     C - Common: Likely to be present in good numbers in appropriate habitat and season.
     U - Uncommon: May be present in appropriate habitat and season, often in low
            numbers.
     O - Occassional: Found in appropriate habitat perhaps only a few times per season,
            sometimes low numbers.
     R - Rare: May not be recorded every year.
     Acc - Accidental: Recorded once or twice, may not be expected again for a long time.

 

Seasonal Occurrence
      Sp - Spring: March, April, May C
      Su - Summer: June, July, August C
      Fall: September, October, November C

      Winter: December, January, February C

 

 

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