(Sitta europaea)
The Nuthatch is found across much of the palearctic (Europe and the north of Asia). In the UK it is found in England and Wales, with some in southern Scotland. It is resident and they usually stay in or close to the woodland where they hatch.
They're best spotted in mature woodland, scampering around tree trunks in search of food. In the summer, they mainly eat invertebrates that they find within the bark of trees. In autumn and winter, they mainly feed on nut and seeds including hazelnuts, acorns and beech mast. They hide these in gaps in tree bark to return to later. The common name, Nuthatch, derives from Nut Hacker, a refence to the habit of hammering at nuts in tree crevices.
They need the nooks and crannies of old broadleaf trees for food and for nesting, which they do in tree cavities. They often make use of old abandoned Woodpecker holes for nesting, and will make the access hole smaller with mud.
They're the only British bird to move down trees head first. The Treecreeper has a similar movement and habit around trees but only creeps upwards, not downwards.
The European Nuthatch is one of about 25 species of Nuthatch (Sitta) that are found around the world. They all have a similar appearance, although colours vary, and similar habitat, diet and behaviour.
The Nuthatch is one of the species that is introduced in 'The Tree That Held The Moon' to inspire curiosity in the wonders of nature.
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