The white-breasted nuthatch is a small songbird found throughout much of North America. These active little birds can be a joy to watch at backyard bird feeders, especially when they move about acrobatically on tree trunks and branches. Feeding nuthatches effectively requires understanding their dietary needs and preferences. Here are some key questions and tips to get you started.
What do white-breasted nuthatches eat?
White-breasted nuthatches are omnivores, feeding on both plant and animal material. Their diet consists primarily of insects and large seeds or nuts. Some of their favorite foods include:
- Insects: beetles, ants, caterpillars, spiders
- Seeds: sunflower, safflower, peanuts
- Nuts: acorns, almonds, pecans
- Suet
- Peanut butter
- Mealworms
They use their long, pointed bills to probe into crevices and under bark to find hiding insects. Their powerful bills also allow them to crack open hard nuts and seeds. Though they eat some fruits and berries, they tend to prefer higher-fat foods rich in protein and calories.
Do nuthatches eat at bird feeders?
Yes, white-breasted nuthatches are regular visitors to backyard bird feeders, particularly if peanuts, sunflower seeds, suet, or mealworms are offered. They may also eat shelled and cracked corn. Platform feeders, hopper feeders, tube feeders with large ports, and suet feeders are all good options for attracting these birds.
What kind of bird feeder is best?
Hopper or platform feeders are ideal for feeding white-breasted nuthatches. The birds prefer to perch on an open, flat surface while they quickly pluck out sunflower seeds, nuts, and other foods. Make sure the feeder is placed in an open area near or on trees, as the birds are generally uncomfortable feeding in enclosed spaces.
Should bird feeders be at ground level for nuthatches?
No, nuthatches prefer to feed higher up, generally between 5 to 15 feet above the ground. They will readily come to feeders positioned at eye-level on tree trunks or posts. Do not place feeders directly on the ground, as this can increase risk of predation.
What kinds of bird feed are best for nuthatches?
Offering a variety of foods will best attract nuthatches to your yard:
Nuts
Whole or pieces of peanuts, almonds and other nuts are irresistible to nuthatches. Offer them in a mesh feeder or platform feeder so large pieces do not fall to the ground and become inaccessible.
Sunflower seeds
Black oil sunflower seeds are a favorite of white-breasted nuthatches. Use hopper or tube feeders with large ports so the birds can easily extract the seeds.
Suet
High-protein suet is an excellent energy source for nuthatches in winter. Offer suet in cages or in plugs inserted into tree trunks or logs.
Mealworms
Dried or live mealworms offer needed protein to nuthatches during the breeding season. Use platform or hopper feeders to serve them.
Fruit
Chopped fruit like apples or bananas can supplement diets in winter. Mix with nuts or suet for easier eating.
How much/how often should you feed nuthatches?
Keep feeders stocked daily so food is always available. Offering small amounts continuously is better than sporadic large fillings. Aim to provide the following amounts:
- Nuts: 1/4 cup per day
- Sunflower seeds: 1/4 cup per day
- Suet: 1 suet feeder plug per 5-10 birds
- Mealworms: 1-2 tablespoons per day
- Fruit: 1-2 tablespoons mixed in with other foods
Adjust amounts based on feeder traffic. Remove any uneaten, spoiled food daily.
How often to clean feeders?
Clean feeders at least once every 2-3 weeks with a 10% bleach solution. Rinse thoroughly and air dry. This helps prevent spread of bacteria and disease.
What are the best feeding practices for nuthatches?
Follow these tips to make your yard as attractive as possible to feeding nuthatches:
- Place feeders near or in trees within 5 to 15 feet of the ground.
- Use feeders with large, open areas and perches suited for nuts and seeds.
- Offer peanuts, sunflower seeds, suet, mealworms – their preferred foods.
- Provide a water source like a birdbath for drinking and bathing.
- Include native plants and shrubs to attract insect food sources.
- Reduce pesticide use so insects and bird foods remain plentiful.
- Set up nest boxes to encourage residence and raising young.
Where do nuthatches prefer to feed?
Nuthatches strongly prefer feeding on or near mature trees, especially oak, pine, and other species that produce nuts and seeds. Place feeders on tree trunks or posts situated within the tree canopy for easiest access.
Will nuthatches come to Low to the ground feeders?
Nuthatches are most comfortable feeding 5-15 feet above ground. They may occasionally visit low platform feeders, but feeder height should be kept in their preferred higher range.
Do nuthatches eat from the ground?
Though they sometimes forage on the ground for fallen nuts and insects, nuthatches strongly prefer to feed above ground on trees. They are vulnerable to predation when on the ground, so do not place feeders at ground level hoping to attract them.
Tips for attracting nuthatches
Use these simple methods to make your yard as appealing as possible to white-breasted nuthatches:
Offer preferred foods
Stock feeders with peanuts, pine nuts, sunflower seeds, suet and mealworms to target nuthatch preferences.
Add natural food sources
Plant native trees and shrubs that provide nuts, seeds and attract insects for the birds to forage.
Include feeding stations
Set up specific feeders designed for nuts, suet and mealworm feeding at desired locations in trees.
Provide open feeder designs
Use feeders like platforms and hoppers that allow easy access for plucking out nuts and seeds.
Supply drinking water
Add a ground-level birdbath, fountain or other water source for drinking and bathing.
Nest boxes
Erect small nest boxes to encourage nuthatches to nest and raise young on your property.
Limit pesticides
Reduce or eliminate pesticide use so natural insect food sources remain plentiful.
Common mistakes when feeding nuthatches
Some common mistakes to avoid when trying to attract white-breasted nuthatches include:
- Not offering preferred foods like nuts, seeds and suet.
- Using enclosed tube feeders rather than open feeder designs.
- Placing feeders too low to the ground or too high up in trees.
- Allowing feeders to remain empty for long periods.
- Not cleaning feeders regularly leading to spread of disease.
- Not providing open, mature trees for feeding and nesting.
- Overusing pesticides and eliminating insect food sources.
- Allowing cats to hunt birds at feeders.
What deters nuthatches from feeders?
Nuthatches may stay away from feeders due to lack of preferred foods, enclosed feeder designs, excessive heights, proximity to bushes that conceal predators, and abundant pesticide use eliminating natural foods.
Do nuthatches eat from tray feeders?
Yes, nuthatches will readily eat from open tray or platform feeders, especially if they contain peanuts, sunflower seeds, mealworms or other favored foods. Avoid deep, enclosed tray designs.
Conclusion
With their sharp bills, bold markings and acrobatic movements, white-breasted nuthatches are a favorite backyard bird for many. Attracting them to your feeders takes a bit of knowledge about their preferred foods and feeding behaviors. Focus on offering enticing, energy-rich options like peanuts, pine nuts, sunflower seeds, suet and mealworms. Choose open feeder designs placed at their preferred heights in or near mature trees and natural food sources. Follow these tips to make your yard a regular buffet stop for these character-filled birds.
