Brown-Headed Nuthatch

Brown-Headed Nuthatch

Sitta pusilla

Predict Sightings

About This Species

Found in mature pine woodland across the southeastern US, this small nuthatch moves in family groups along trunks and branches, working head-first down bark in search of insects. Its distinctive squeaky, rubber-duck-like call is often the first clue to its presence, and it readily visits feeders offering suet or sunflower seed near pine stands. It is resident year-round, but late winter through spring, when pairs are most vocal while establishing nest cavities, gives the best chance of a clear view.

Ethical Viewing Guidelines

  • This species nests in excavated cavities in dead or dying pines, which are easily damaged by careless approach; keep well back from any cavity tree and never tap on or disturb it.
  • In the US it is protected under federal migratory bird law, and disturbing active nests can constitute an offence.
  • Observing from a distance with binoculars, rather than approaching a calling group, is the best way to watch its cavity-excavating behaviour without interrupting it.
LCAvesPasseriformesSittidae

Seasonal Activity

1,038,625 sightings · 2000–2026

Citizen science records via GBIF

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Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Aves
Order
Passeriformes
Family
Sittidae

Photo

(c) Bryan Box, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Bryan Box

CC-BY-NC-4.0

Occurrence data from GBIF.