Home / Birds /

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.

Identification and Whereabouts

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.

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.

All content on this page — including photos, videos, and field audio recordings — was created by Karl-Heinz Müller, a Montréal-based wildlife filmmaker, sound recordist, and photographer. Founder of MUUUH and Québec Sauvage, he has spent over a decade documenting Canada’s natural habitats through immersive soundscapes and wildlife films. Learn more about Karl-Heinz

Last updated: 2025-01-12