JULY 2015 • NEBRASKAland 15
White-breasted Nuthatch
Song or calls: Low, repeated, nasal "yank."
Song is whistled series on one pitch, "whee,
whee, whee."
Description: Sexes similar. Blue-gray above;
white below; black crown and nape; all-white
face; extent of rust below is variable.
Habitat: Generally found in fairly mature
floodplain forests during the breeding season.
During the rest of the year it inhabits a wider
variety of habitats, and can also be seen at
residential birdfeeders.
Where in Nebraska:
Common permanent
resident in eastern Nebraska. Breeds as far
west as the Pine Ridge area and to at least Hall
County along the Platte.
Field Notes: These birds are essentially
nonmigratory, and will store food during the fall
for winter in crevices behind loose tree bark.
Fun Facts:
White-breasted nuthatches creep
down tree trunks head first in search of insects
and other food. ■
To learn about more birds visit:
NebraskaBirdLibrary.org.
Nebraska Bird Library
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PHOTO
BY
DOUG
CARROLL
