The Eurasian Nuthatch belongs to a family
of small, interesting and rather odd birds, “Sittidae”, the family of
nuthatches. The name, “nuthatch” is derived from their habit of drilling acorns
and nuts into the trunks of trees where they can be opened by “hacking” them
with their bills. All nuthatches have very large heads, short tails, and
powerful feet and claws for gripping trees.
Nuthatches are usually seen climbing along
the branches and trunks of trees like a woodpecker; however, they often climb
down a tree headfirst which is something a woodpecker would never attempt.
The Eurasian Nuthatch is the most common
and widespread of the nuthatch family. It is sometimes simply referred to as
“the nuthatch” due to its familiarity with bird-lovers. This species is found
is found throughout Europe and Asia, except Ireland China
This species is found in deciduous forests
where it can find the acorns and nuts which it so loves. It also consumes
insects which it finds during its foraging missions along the trunks and
branches of deciduous trees. At times, this bird will feed on the ground.
During winter, the Eurasian Nuthatch will visit feeding stations that offer
seeds, often bullying other birds they may encounter there.
Due to its varied diet that is not solely
dependant on insects, this species is non-migratory, and like other
non-migratory bird species, its fall and winter wanderings will only be
motivated by winter food shortages in its summer range.
The Eurasian Nuthatch nests in a hole or
crevice that is lined with grass or tree bark. The female will deposit 5-8 eggs
in the nest.
This species is quite noisy, and can often
be heard to repeat its trademark call, the loud and sharp, “twet, twet, twet”
At other times it can be heard to whistle a rather melodious song. It is, after
all, despite its rather strange appearance, a songbird.
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| Photo by Luc Viatour |
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