Like all nuthatches, the red-breasted nuthatch is an acrobatic species, hitching itself up and down tree trunks and branches to look for food. It goes headfirst when climbing down. It can “walk” on the underside of branches. Unlike woodpeckers and creepers, it does not use its tail as a prop while climbing. It tends to forage singly or in pairs.
Purple Finch (F)
Purple Finch (F)
The Purple Finch population has declined sharply in the East due to the house finch. Most of the time, when these two species collide, the house finch outcompetes the purple finch. This bird has also been displaced from some habitat by the introduced house sparrow.
I see a red-breasted nuthatch outside my window there must be a pair nesting , but the leaves are grown and impossible to see.I have assumed what I hear are house finches but listening to recordings they sound like purple, so not sure.They were notorious for chasing the sparrows away, but they are all living together, while maintaining a distance.
Wonderful to see and learn about these two lovely bird species, HJ. Nuthatches are so very fun to watch, in their acrobatics.
Thank you, my friend. I enjoy observing birds and taking their pictures. It’s a lot of fun. 🙂
I see a red-breasted nuthatch outside my window there must be a pair nesting , but the leaves are grown and impossible to see.I have assumed what I hear are house finches but listening to recordings they sound like purple, so not sure.They were notorious for chasing the sparrows away, but they are all living together, while maintaining a distance.
Thank you, Jane, for sharing. I appreciate it. 🙂
Excellent pictures and info!!
Thank you very much, Indira. 🙂
I so love to read about the interesting behaviour and imagining the bird in your picture going through those paces, H.J
Thank you very much, my friend. 🙂