Brown-headed Nuthatches are small songbirds that breed in pine forests in the southeastern United States from March to August. They are commonly found in mature pine forests with open understories, where pine seeds and insects like beetles, caterpillars, and spiders are abundant during the breeding season.
Brown-headed Nuthatches forage in pine trees, using their strong bills to pry open pine cones and extract seeds. They also search for insects and spiders on bark and in crevices. They maneuver vertically and upside down on tree trunks and branches, aided by their strong legs and sharp claws.
Courtship involves males performing courtship displays, including head-bobbing and wing flicking, to attract females. Males also sing to establish territories and attract mates.
They may excavate cavities or claim natural or abandoned cavities in dead or decaying pine trees, typically at heights of 1 to 6 meters above the ground. Both females and males gather and place nesting materials including pine needles, bark strips, feathers, and grasses.
Brown-headed Nuthatches readily nest in bird houses with entrance holes of about 1.25 inches in diameter. Bird houses should be mounted on trees or posts in pine forests, preferably with clear flight paths. See Brown-headed Nuthatch Birdhouse Plans.
Egg laying occurs from late March to early May, with females laying 3 to 7 white eggs with brown speckles. Incubation lasts about 12 to 14 days, primarily by the female, while the male brings food to the nest.
Chicks hatch blind and naked, requiring constant care and feeding by both parents. Their diet initially consists of insects and small seeds brought by the adults.
Chicks learn to forage and hunt under adult guidance, practicing pecking and probing techniques to find food. They develop rapidly and fledge about 18 to 21 days after hatching.
Brown-headed Nuthatches are non-migratory and remain in their breeding territories year-round. They may form family groups after breeding, with adults guiding juveniles in foraging and social behavior.
