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Nuthatch

Appearance:
The nuthatch is a small, compact bird with a strong, pointed beak and short tail. Its upperparts are typically bluish-grey, while the underparts range from white to a soft buff-orange. It has a distinctive black eye-stripe running from the beak through the eye, giving it a masked look. The legs and feet are strong, adapted for climbing tree trunks headfirst.

Size and Weight:
Length: 12–14 cm (4.7–5.5 inches)
Wingspan: 20–27 cm (7.9–10.6 inches)
Weight: 18–30 grams (0.6–1.1 ounces)

Lifespan:
In the wild, nuthatches usually live around 2–5 years, though some individuals may reach up to 8 years.

Diet:
Summer: Mainly insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates.
Winter: Seeds, nuts, and occasionally berries. They are known to store food in tree bark crevices for later consumption.

Breeding:
Nuthatches typically breed once per year, although in favorable conditions some may attempt a second brood.
They lay 5–10 eggs per clutch.
Incubation lasts about 13–17 days, mostly by the female.
Fledging occurs around 18–26 days after hatching.

Nest:
Nuthatches usually nest in natural tree cavities or old woodpecker holes.
They line the nest with soft materials such as moss, feathers, and fur.
They often plaster the entrance hole with mud to reduce its size and keep out predators.
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13 comments

raingirl said:

This is so cool! Love this. While I dream of photographing birds, I do not have the patience, equipment, or interesting enough birds near me to get photos like this, so it's really wonderful to see them done by others.

Your depth of field here makes this stand out.

What type bird it this?
2 months ago

Tali replied to raingirl:

This is a nuthatch.
I think all birds are fascinating, and I’m sure there are many different species living in your area. You don’t need expensive equipment — just a bit of patience, which you’ll get better at with practice.
2 months ago

William Sutherland said:

Outstanding shot!
2 months ago

Tali replied to William Sutherland:

thank you William!
2 months ago ( translate )

raingirl replied to Tali:

Ah, we don't have nuthatches here. I do think all birds are fascinating, the ones around me are just mostly small and quick.

And I think my patience ran out with the second kid I had - haha.

I do enjoy watching for them, however.
2 months ago

Tali replied to raingirl:

ha ha!
2 months ago ( translate )

Boro said:

Superbe ************
2 months ago ( translate )

Tali replied to Boro:

thank you Boro!
2 months ago

Percy Schramm said:

Eine tolle Aufnahme als Einstieg. Es ist nicht ganz einfach, Vögel zu fotografieren. Meistens fehlt mir die Geduld.
2 months ago ( translate )

Patrick Brandy said:

Merci pour l'info de cette magnifique sittelle belle journée.
2 months ago ( translate )

Jean-Paul said:

In my mother tongue (Luxembourgish), the nuthatch is called: Kuesleefer.
Really nice pic Tali.
Welcome to Ipernity!
2 months ago

Nouchetdu38 said:

Félicitations pour toutes ces superbes photos*******
Bonjour de France****
2 months ago ( translate )

Julien Rappaport said:

Beaucoup de magnifiques photos , bravo .
7 weeks ago ( translate )