Sitta canadensis
From WikiBird
Sitta canadensis
Contents |
Size
Length: ??cm (??in), Wingspan: ??cm (??in)
Field Marks
Adult: Blue-grey upperparts with reddish underparts, white face with a black stripe through the eyes, a white throat, a straight grey bill and a black crown. Short tail. Female: Duller.
Similar species
Because of its unique feeding strategy it is most likely to confused with other nuthatches. White-breasted Nuthatch lacks a black eyeline and has mostly white underparts and is larger. Brown-headed and Pygmy Nuthatches have brown caps, white patches on the nape and lack the eyelines.
Sounds
It is similar to that of the White-breasted Nuthatch, but higher in pitch.
Feeding & Behavior
They forage on the trunk and large branches of trees, often descending head first, sometimes catching insects in flight. They mainly eat insects and seeds, especially from conifers.
Habitat & Nesting
Breed in coniferous forests. They excavate a nest in dead wood, often close to the ground. They smear the entrance to their nest with pitch.
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Range
Breeding across Canada, Alaska and the northeastern and western United States. Often permanent residents, but they regularly migrate into the southern United States if the food supply fails.
Resources
