Red-breasted Nuthatch
Watch trunks, branches, and nearby cover; if adding a box, match the entrance and placement to the species.
By Birdly Yard Editorial TeamReviewed
Local season
Months with a state-level historical signal for this species.
Status
Backyard reports
Often found
Mature trees, shrubs, and a reliable clean water source.
Food
Sunflower, peanuts, suet, and insects.
Nesting
Nest-box guidance available
One useful next step
Build for the habitat, not just the feeder.
Mature trees, shrubs, and a reliable clean water source.
See the yard actionsA good yard is layered
Food helps, but cover, clean water, native plants, and a safe distance from hazards make a more dependable place for birds.
Why it may visit your yard
Mature trees, shrubs, and a reliable clean water source.
Mature trees, shrubs, and a reliable clean water source.
What it eats
Sunflower, peanuts, suet, and insects.
Sunflower, peanuts, suet, and insects.
How to attract it
Food & feeder
Sunflower, peanuts, suet, and insects.
Cover & plants
Mature trees, shrubs, and a reliable clean water source.
Nesting and breeding
Box specification
1 1/4 in round entrance, 5–15 high, at least 150 apart.
Placement
Add 1 in wood shavings; face away from prevailing wind.
Install and maintain outside active nesting; do not touch, move, or repeatedly disturb an active nest.
Photography
Watch trunks, branches, and nearby cover; if adding a box, match the entrance and placement to the species.
What to avoid
Install boxes before breeding season; do not disturb active nests.
Install boxes before breeding season; do not disturb active nests.
Sources and review
Where this guide comes from
Species facts were reviewed against Cornell Lab of Ornithology — All About Birds. Seasonal context uses the state-level records named on this page and does not predict an individual yard sighting.