Birds and wildlife

Nuthatch

Sitta europaeaGroup: NuthatchesUK Conservation status:Green

How to identify

The Nuthatch is a plump bird about the size of a Great Tit that resembles a small Woodpecker. It's blue-grey on top and whitish below, with chestnut on its sides and under its tail. It has a black stripe on its head, a long black pointed bill and short legs. It breeds throughout England and Wales and has recently begun to breed in southern Scotland. It is a resident, with birds rarely travelling far from the woods where they hatch.

Call

Nuthatch

Sander Bot / xeno-canto

Key features to look out for

  • A plump bird about the size of a Great Tit that resembles a small Woodpecker
  • Blue-grey on top and whitish below, with chestnut on its sides and under its tail
  • It has a black stripe on its head, a long black pointed bill and short legs
  • Listen for its series of whistles from the woodland canopy

Conservation status

With a 291% increase between 1967 and 2023, the Nuthatch is on the green list of Birds of Conservation Concern, meaning it is not in need of conservation help at the moment. Management of our woodland nature reserves means it has the optimum conditions to thrive.

Where and when to see them

In woodland across England, Wales and parts of southern Scotland. Absent from Ireland. They will also visit gardens, especially in the winter.

Difficulty rating - Easy-moderate

The population has been increasing over the past 50 years, meaning you are more likely to come across one now.

Key

  1. Resident
  2. Passage
  3. Summer
  4. Winter
* This map is intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations.
  1. Jan
  2. Feb
  3. Mar
  4. Apr
  5. May
  6. Jun
  7. Jul
  8. Aug
  9. Sep
  10. Oct
  11. Nov
  12. Dec

Where best to see them

Behaviour

It feeds in the tops of trees, so can be quite tricky to see, but its series of loud whistles will usually give away its identity.

The Nuthatch is the only bird in the UK that can climb down trunks headfirst. Its dagger-like beak is characteristic and you might see one in a garden, especially in the winter.

Nuthatch, adult climbing downwards on tree
Nuthatch
Birds of the month

Head outside and discover fascinating birds each month. Read on for top ID tips, what to listen for, and where to see them.

Key facts