All species
resident
Least ConcernNuthatches
Eurasian Nuthatch
The only British bird that can climb down a tree trunk headfirst. Nuthatches are blue-grey above, buff below, and have a loud, ringing call.
Sitta europaea
Woodland Parks Large gardens
Size
12-14 cm
Wingspan
22-27 cm
Weight
18-25 g
Lifespan
2 years
Diet
Insects, nuts and seeds; famous for wedging hazelnuts into bark and hammering them open.
Song & Call
A loud, repeated 'dwip-dwip-dwip' call and a whistling song.
Tap play to listen0:00
Speed
Visualizer
Recording by Josep del Hoyo · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
How to identify
- Climbs down trees headfirst
- Blue-grey back
- Black eye stripe
Conservation
Least Concern
Expanding northwards; mature woodland and nest boxes support growth.
