The brown-headed nuthatch (Sitta pusilla) is a small songbird found in pine forests across the southeastern United States. Like other nuthatches, it is known for its nasal, high-pitched vocalizations. The brown-headed nuthatch has a distinct, loud call that sounds like a repetitive, rolling “yank-yank” or “ank-ank.” This call carries far through the pine woods and is often the first indication that these active little birds are present. In this article, we’ll explore the sounds of the brown-headed nuthatch in more detail, looking at similarities and differences between the male and female calls, regional variations, and what their vocalizations communicate. Understanding bird sounds helps connect us more deeply with nature, and also aids in bird identification.
Male vs Female Call
The “yank-yank” call of the brown-headed nuthatch is made by both males and females. However, careful observation reveals subtle differences between the sexes.
The male’s call tends to be higher-pitched, thinner, and more nasal than the female version. It is often described as a “yeeeank” sound. The female’s call is lower, fuller, and more robust. It sounds like a deeper “yannk.”
During the breeding season, the male may deliver his call in a faster series, sounding almost like “yeeeank-yeeeank-yeeeank” as part of his courtship display. In contrast, the female uses her “yannk” sparingly and deliberately to communicate with her mate or defend the nest area.
In both cases, the calls carry well through pine forests. However, the male’s higher-pitched version travels farther. His voice is designed to advertise his presence and territory across a wide area in hopes of attracting a female. Meanwhile, the female uses her deeper, fuller tone for closer communication with family members.
Sample Audio of Male and Female Calls
Listen below to hear the differences between male and female brown-headed nuthatch calls:
[Insert audio sample of male “yeeeank” call]
[Insert audio sample of female “yannk” call]
Regional Variations
Brown-headed nuthatches can be found breeding in pine woods across a wide swath of the southeastern United States, from Texas to Florida and north to Virginia. Over this broad geographic area, their “yank-yank” vocalizations show some subtle regional accents.
In Texas, southern Mississippi, and along the Gulf coast, the call tends to be faster, higher-pitched, and more accelerated. It is often described as a “yeng-yeng-yeng” sound delivered in rapid bursts.
In the pine forests of Georgia and the Carolinas, the call has a distinctly two-note sound: “yank-yank.” The tone also tends to be rounder, fuller, and almost ball-bearing like as the notes roll into each other.
Along the Atlantic seaboard from southern Virginia to Florida, the call has a more drawn-out, nasal quality described as “yaank-yaank.” The tone has an almost whining, plaintive quality.
These regional differences arise as brown-headed nuthatch populations are somewhat isolated in dispersed pine forest habitats. Over generations, their vocalizations slowly diverge and develop local dialects. However, the differences are subtle enough that the birds recognize each other across regions. The variations just add diverse accents to the rolling “yank-yank” call that unites brown-headed nuthatches throughout the southeast.
Meaning and Uses of the Call
So why does the brown-headed nuthatch produce its nasal, rolling “yank-yank” call? And how do they use this vocalization to communicate?
Several key meanings can be conveyed by the call:
Territorial Claim
The repetitive call declares and reinforces the bird’s claim on a nesting territory. Both males and females use the call to proclaim their space.
Courtship Display
As mentioned earlier, the male may accelerate his call into a fast series of “yank-yanks” when displaying for a female during breeding season. This shows off his fitness.
Staying in Contact
Mates use the call back and forth to maintain contact, especially when widely separated across their territory. The far-carrying voice allows them to locate each other.
Alarm
The birds will increase the urgency and tempo of the call when alarmed or agitated. This signals danger to family members.
Fledgling Instruction
Parents will use an insistent version of the call to gather young birds for feeding or teach them to find food.
So while the brown-headed nuthatch’s “yank-yank” may sound monotonous to human ears, it actually conveys a range of meanings. Context, urgency, and delivery helps distinguish the intention behind each call.
Identification
The distinct vocalization is a key identifier that helps birders recognize the brown-headed nuthatch, even when the bird is hidden in the pine canopy. No other species makes a call truly similar to the rolling, nasal “yank-yank.”
However, the call of the pygmy nuthatch, a smaller relative found in western pine forests, includes faster repetition that could potentially cause confusion. The pygmy version is more rapid and higher-pitched. Learning the brown-headed nuthatch’s regional variations will help distinguish between the species based on voice alone.
The white-breasted nuthatch, found through many wooded areas of North America, also has a nasal, rolling call. But its tone is squeakier and higher-pitched than the brown-headed. With practice, even non-experts can learn to separate the brown-headed nuthatch by zeroing in on its unique vocal qualities.
Conclusion
The brown-headed nuthatch has carved out a niche in pine forests of the southeastern U.S. through its agile bark-foraging abilities. Its loud, nasal “yank-yank” call resonates through the woods, proclaiming territory, attracting mates, and uniting pairs as they busily glean insects from furrowed bark. With attentive listening, we can appreciate the surprising complexity encoded within this repetitive vocalization. Each “yank” relays context that enables nuthatches to thrive in pine canopy communities. Next time you’re in a southeastern pine forest, listen for the unmistakable voice of the brown-headed nuthatch!