Conservation status: Green
The nuthatch is a plump bird about the size of a great tit that resembles a small woodpecker. It is blue-grey above 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 in central and southern England and in Wales, and is resident, with birds seldom travelling far from the woods where they hatch.
Latin name
Sitta europaea
Family
Nuthatches (Sittidae)
Where to see them
Best looked for in mature woods and established parkland in central and southern England and Wales, on the sides of tree trunks and underside of branches. Occasional sightings in Scotland.
When to see them
All year round.
What they eat
Insects, hazel nuts, acorns, beechmast and other nuts and seed.
Population
| Europe | UK breeding* | UK wintering* | UK passage* | | - | 144,000 territories | - | - |