Nuthatches · Perching birds
Eurasian Nuthatch
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Sitta europaea
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Voice
Song
Call
Alarm
How to recognize it
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12–14.5 cm long
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Blue-grey back, black eye-stripe; whitish underparts in Russia
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Nimbly climbs tree trunks, including headfirst down
About the species
Look for a blue-gray back and a dark stripe running through the eye, with a long, pointed bill that probes the bark. The underside can be pale or warm buff, depending on where you are; in much of western Europe, rusty-orange sides contrast with a white throat. Small white spots mark the outer tail feathers as it moves.
Short leaps take it up a trunk, and it can work its way down headfirst, gripping the bark with strong feet. Its sharp "dwip" call is often repeated twice. In autumn and winter, it wedges nuts and seeds into bark crevices, then returns to them when food is scarce.
Look for it in mature deciduous or mixed woods, and in older parks and gardens with large trees. It picks caterpillars and beetles from trunks and branches, switching to nuts and seeds in autumn and winter. Most populations stay in the same area year-round, though some northern and eastern populations move when food crops fail.
Where to find
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In a city park with large old trees, look for the Eurasian nuthatch moving down trunks headfirst while feeding and giving short whistles.
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At a city feeder in winter, watch for quick visits to grab seeds or fatty food before flying off.
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In mature woodland with large trees, watch in autumn and winter for nuts wedged into bark crevices and cracked open with a strong bill.
