Nuthatch

Looking a bit like a cross between a washed-out Robin and a tiny Woodpecker the Nuthatch (Sitta europaea) has become a regular visitor to UK birdtables. The foods supplied by TWOOTZ seem admirably suited to the appetites of this small, fairly shy bird who loves peanuts and the suet foods as well – it is well adapted to take advantage of Fat Balls in the feeders as its long beak can reach well into the feeder.

Characterised by large heads, short tails, and powerful bills and feet, nuthatches advertise their territory using loud, simple songs. They spend a lot of time upside-down and have sharp claws capable of holding them onto bark surfaces really securely.

The Nuthatch is fairly easy to recognise. It is steely grey-blue above, pinky buff below and has a prominent black eyetstripe, white chin and dark, dagger-like bill. Nuthatches are busy and agile birds, typically seen working their way down a tree trunk searching for food.

If you see a pair of birds together you might be able to make out the extra reddish brown markings down the flanks of the male bird, just under the wing.