Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis)
The Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis) is a small, energetic bird known for its acrobatic abilities and distinctive reddish underparts. Commonly found in coniferous forests, this species is a frequent visitor to bird feeders, delighting observers with its unique behaviour and striking black eye stripe.
| 🇫🇷 | Sittelle à poitrine rousse |
| 🇩🇪 | Kanadakleiber |
| 🇲🇽 | Trepador canadiense |
| Taxonomy | |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Sittidae |
How to Identify
Two characteristics distinguish this species from the more common White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis). First, the Red-breasted Nuthatch has a reddish belly, and second, it features a black stripe running from the beak over the eye to the neck. This acrobatic bird is capable of walking head-down on tree trunks and along the undersides of branches.
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Characteristics
| Length | 11cm |
| Weight | 9.9g |
| Wingspan | 22cm |
| Clutch Size | 2-8 eggs |
| Incubation | 12-13 days |
| Fledging | 18-21 days |
| Sexual Maturity | 1 year |
| Source | Wikipedia |
Where and When to Spot
In Montreal, the Red-breasted Nuthatch is less common than the White-breasted Nuthatch. The only recorded sighting in Montreal occurred during the winter at the Montreal Botanical Garden.