Nuthatches

Nuthatches are small, nimble birds specially suited to moving along tree trunks and branches in any direction, including headfirst downwards. This behaviour sets them apart from treecreepers and woodpeckers. There are about 29 species of nuthatches around the world. They have short tails, strong feet with long claws, and sharp bills. They use their bills to wedge nuts and seeds into cracks in the bark before breaking them open. Most nuthatches live in woodlands across the Northern Hemisphere, with the greatest variety found in Asia. In Europe, the only common species is the Eurasian Nuthatch, which is often seen in mature deciduous and mixed forests. Nuthatches do not migrate and stay in the same area all year. They often join mixed groups of birds to feed during the winter. Their nasal, repetitive calls can be heard clearly in the woods. Some species use mud to reduce the size of the entrance to their nest holes, creating protected breeding chambers inside tree cavities.