Red-breasted Nuthatches, Sitta canadensis
 Range
of the Red-breasted nuthatch
The Red-breasted nuthatch is found throughout
California in various coniferous habitats. It is absent from the
central valley and the desert. It will move into higher mountain
areas in the summer.
Migration of the red-breasted nuthatch
The Red-breasted-nuthatch moves down slope in
winter and up into higher elevations in the summer.
Reproduction of the Red-breasted nuthatch
The Red-breasted nuthatch is a primary nester.
That is, it excavates its own nesting cavity. They prefer to nest
in dead wood. The Red-breasted nuthatch has an odd behavior of
smearing pitch around its nest entrance. The purpose of this is
unknown. It is most likely to deter predators.
Habitat/plant community used by the
Red-breasted Nuthatch
 The
Red-breasted nuthatch uses various coniferous plant communities.
See plant community links below.
Closed
Cone Pine Forest
Lodgepole
Pine Forest
Yellow
Pine Forest
Red
Fir forest
Mixed
Evergreen Forest
Coastal
redwood forest
Diet of the Red-breasted nuthatch
The Red-breasted nuthatch gleans insects and
eats the seeds from coniferous trees.
 Niche
filled by the Red-breasted nuthatch
The Red-breasted nuthatch has a behavior
similar to that of a brown creeper. They start at the base of a
tree or branch and work their way upwards in a spiral fashion,
gleaning as they go. Then they fly down to the base of the next
tree and start over.
How to attract a Red-breasted nuthatch to
your garden
Red-breasted nuthatches like forested areas
with older trees. This may be difficult to archive in your back
yard. If you are near an established forested area, you may be
able to attract one. You can plant most any coniferous tree you
like. I have a large red wood tree in my back yard. The nearest
forest is 20 miles away and I am amazed at the birds that stop
by.
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