
Brown-Headed Nuthatch
Sitta pusilla
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
All monthsThis month
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.