Eurasian Nuthatch (Sitta europaea)

Quick Facts

Scientific Name: Sitta europaea
Family: Sittidae
Size: 12-14.5 cm (4.7-5.7 inches)
Wingspan: 22.5-27 cm (8.9-10.6 inches)
Weight: 17-28 g (0.6-1.0 oz)

Conservation Status

IUCN Status: Least Concern
Population Trend: Stable to increasing

Worldwide Distribution

The Eurasian Nuthatch is found primarily in:

Throughout most of Europe
United Kingdom (except northern Scotland)
Parts of Asia
Does not migrate significantly (resident species)

Spotting Difficulty Rating

🔍🔍 (2/5 – Moderately Easy)

Bold, vibrant coloration
Distinctive behavior
Often visits garden feeders
Loud, distinctive calls

Habitat and Behavior

The Eurasian Nuthatch is a compact, energetic woodland bird immediately recognizable by its blue-grey upperparts, buff underparts, and black eye-stripe. Its most distinctive characteristic is its remarkable ability to walk headfirst down tree trunks – a behavior that few other birds can manage. This unique movement pattern allows it to spot insects and food items that other birds might miss.

Nuthatches are cavity nesters, often using old woodpecker holes which they modify by plastering the entrance with mud to reduce the size – hence their folk name “mud-dauber.” They feed primarily on insects, seeds, and nuts, which they often wedge into tree bark crevices and then hammer open with their strong, straight bills – the origin of their name “nuthatch” (literally “nut-hacker”).

Cultural History

The Nuthatch has featured in European folklore for centuries, often associated with determination and resourcefulness. In some regions of England, the bird was believed to be a bringer of good fortune, particularly to woodland workers. An old woodland saying claims that “where the nuthatch nests, the forest shall remain,” connecting the bird to healthy, lasting woodlands.

In Eastern European folklore, the nuthatch was sometimes considered a messenger between the human world and the forest spirits, due to its ability to move so freely between the ground and the heights of trees, often appearing to defy gravity. Some rural communities believed that hearing a nuthatch call early in spring was a sign of a prosperous year ahead.

There’s also an old English country belief that if a nuthatch nested close to a house, the family would be blessed with children who would be “upside-down thinkers” – creative souls who see the world from different perspectives, much like the bird’s unique ability to see the world from all angles.

Best Places to Spot a Nuthatch in the UK

New Forest, Hampshire
Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire
Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire
RSPB reserves with mature woodland
Garden bird feeders, particularly those offering peanuts

Recommended Viewing Tips

Listen for their distinctive, loud calls
Watch deciduous trees, particularly oak and beech
Look for their characteristic up-and-down movement on trunks
Set up peanut feeders in gardens
Be patient and scan for movement on tree trunks

Conservation Notes

While currently stable with populations increasing in some areas, Nuthatches benefit from:

Protection of mature woodlands
Leaving dead trees standing where safe to do so
Installing nest boxes with small entrance holes
Garden feeding during winter months

Remember: Always observe wildlife responsibly and respect their natural habitats.