Field Guide to Westford

White-breasted Nuthatch 

 

Sitta carolinensis 

Physical description:

White front and underneath, with blue gray wings and a black crown. When looking at only the back on a quick glance, it resembles the black capped chickadee but the nuthatch has a smaller patch of black on the top of his head and no black "bib". He also has more blue on his wings, is longer (5-6”), has a more narrow head and a longer beak, and typically clings to trees facing downward. 

Habitat:

Deciduous and mixed forests.

Voice:

Nasal yank yank call, and a song with a series of low whistled notes

For more information we suggest visiting:
http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/White-breasted_Nuthatch/id