In this area of Southern Ontario there are two types of Nuthatches, the White Breasted (Sitta carolinensis) and the Red Breasted (Sitta canadensis) varieties.
These small, agile, birds prefer to live in woodland however, a few species have adapted to rocky habitats.
They nest in Aspen, Oak, Birch, Cottonwood and Spruce trees and seem to prefer the forest edges and are quite territorial.
They build their nests in holes or crevices in trees or in rocks.
In some species the size of the hole is reduced by the building of a mud wall.
They will also nest in a bird house if a suitable one is provided for them.
There is little difference between the male and female birds and they are virtually indistinguishable
These birds build their nest of shredded bark, small twigs and grass and lined with fur or feathers.
The eggs are incubated by the mother for 12 to 14 days.
These birds have the rare ability to climb down trees head first, unlike other species of birds such as Woodpeckers, which can only go upwards.
They are amusing to watch on trees or fences as they go up, down and around, either head up or head downward, its all the same to this agile little bird!
These little birds have relatively large heads, short tails and powerful beaks and feet.
From beak to tail they measure around 4 to 5 inches in length.
These small, agile, birds prefer to live in woodland however, a few species have adapted to rocky habitats.
These birds have the rare ability to climb down trees head first, unlike other species of birds such as Woodpeckers, which can only go upwards.
