Nuthatches · Perching birds
Eurasian Nuthatch
Copied!
Sitta europaea
Copied!
Voice
Song
Jurijs Ješkins
Call
Jochem verweij
Alarm
Sonothèque ADVL
How to recognize it
-
Small, compact, short-tailed
-
Blue-gray upperparts, dark eye-stripe
-
Rufous-orange flanks and underparts in western forms
-
Runs headfirst down trunks; quick jerky movements; loud repeated "dwip" call
About the species
The Eurasian Nuthatch is a compact, restless tree-dweller that feels most at home on old trunks and large branches. People often notice its habit of running up and down bark — sometimes headfirst — instead of moving like a typical small songbird.
It is a loud, vocal presence, especially from late winter into spring. While feeding, it gives short repeated calls, and when excited it switches to sharper, more insistent notes; its movements are quick and purposeful.
It favors mature deciduous, mixed, and conifer woodland, but also uses gardens and parks with big trees. It mainly eats insects, then adds nuts and seeds in autumn and winter, and it caches food for later use.
Where to find
-
In mature city parks with old oaks and lindens, Eurasian Nuthatch moves headfirst down trunks and gives a repeated sharp 'dwip'.
-
Near tree cavities and old woodpecker holes—especially if the entrance looks plastered with mud—it may slip in with a seed or acorn.
-
In autumn and winter at feeders along tree-lined avenues or courtyard blocks, it grabs sunflower seeds and quickly hides them in bark cracks.
-
By quiet canal banks and pond edges with big trees, listen for the loud call from the canopy and watch for short hops along thick branches.
You might also see
Sources
- eBird — Sitta europaea Sightings map and full description on eBird
- Wikipedia — Eurasian nuthatch Encyclopedia article