Red-breasted Nuthatches are small songbirds that breed in coniferous forests across North America from March to August. They are commonly found in mature coniferous forests, particularly in areas with abundant pine, spruce, and fir trees, where insects and pine seeds are abundant during the breeding season.
Red-breasted Nuthatches forage in coniferous trees, using their sharp bills to pry open cones and extract seeds. They also glean beetles, caterpillars, and spiders from bark and crevices. Nuthatches are agile climbers, able to move nimbly on tree trunks and branches, often seen moving headfirst down tree trunks.
Courtship involves males performing courtship calls and displays to attract females, including flying displays and vocalizations.
Nuthatches may excavate cavities or claim natural or abandoned cavities in dead or decaying coniferous trees, typically at heights ranging from 2 to 20 meters above the ground. Both females and males gather and line the cavity with bark strips, grasses, feathers, and fur
Red-breasted Nuthatches may use bird houses with entrance holes of about 1.25 inches in diameter, although they prefer natural cavities. Bird houses should be mounted on trees in coniferous forests. See Red-breasted Nuthatch Birdhouse Plans.
Egg laying occurs from April to June, with females laying 5 to 9 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, developing skills in extracting seeds from cones and searching for insects on bark.
Red-breasted Nuthatches are partial migrants, with some individuals migrating southward in winter, particularly from northern breeding areas. They may move to lower elevations or southern regions in search of food during winter months.
Wintering habitats include coniferous forests, where they forage for pine seeds, insects, and spiders. They may also visit bird feeders with sunflower seeds and suet during winter.
