Red Breasted Nuthatch

Red Breasted Nuthatches are found in coniferous forests. We have 9 Junipers lining our north side fence, and it could be where they are living. Texas is in its Wintering range. They breed throughout the Rocky Mountains and farther north across Canada.

A Red-Breasted Nuthatch partakes of one of our feeders.

You may see these little rascals walking up and down tree trunks as they forage for bugs or seeds, often upside-down. Their 4 - 7 young are fed various bugs and spiders by both parents. Nuthatches nest in a rotten stub or snag up to 40' off the ground. The entrance to the hole is covered with a sticky pitch, presumably to keep other creatures from entering. They themselves fly in without stepping in it. They are thought to only have one brood per year. Nests are made with soft grass, moss, bark fibers, and feathers.