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There are a few potential reasons why a nuthatch may be pecking on your house:
Looking for insects
Nuthatches are small songbirds that feed primarily on insects. They use their long, pointed beaks to probe into crevices and under bark to find tasty morsels like beetles, ants, caterpillars, and spiders. Your house likely has a number of nooks and crannies that attract and harbor insects. The nuthatch has learned that pecking and probing around window frames, siding, roof shingles, and other areas can reveal hidden insects to eat.
Searching for nesting spots
Nuthatches nest in holes, often old woodpecker cavities or natural openings in dead trees. However, suitable nesting sites can be scarce in neighborhoods and residential areas. A nuthatch tapping on your house may be looking for potential nesting spots by excavating openings in the wood trim, siding, or roof overhangs. The holes they create are often too small for the birds to actually nest in, but they may keep trying.
Establishing territory
Nuthatches are territorial and will defend an area around their nest site. The pecking or “drumming” on your house may be part of the bird establishing its breeding territory in late winter and early spring. The purpose is to communicate with other nuthatches that this spot is claimed and warn them away. It’s a behavior known as territorial drumming.
Typical Nuthatch Facts and Traits
Here are some quick facts about nuthatches that provide helpful context:
- Nuthatches are small, agile songbirds about 4-6 inches in length.
- They have blue-gray upperparts and whitish underparts.
- They have a black cap and long, chisel-like bill.
- There are four common species found in North America.
- They can climb up and down trees and along branches.
- Nuthatches nest in cavities and are non-migratory, staying year-round.
- Their diet consists mainly of insects, spiders, nuts, and seeds.
Reasons a Nuthatch May Focus on Your House
There are a few additional explanations for why a nuthatch seems particularly interested in your house:
Abundant insects
Your house may harbor tasty insects like carpenter ants, termites, bark beetles, or spiders. If it provides a reliable food source, the nuthatch will keep coming back. Sealing up cracks and crevices can help reduce insects.
Favorable microclimate
The location of your home may offer wind protection, sunlight exposure, shade, or other features that create an ideal microclimate for insects the nuthatch preys on. This makes it a productive foraging spot.
Nesting site competition
If nesting sites in your area are at a premium, nuthatches may compete more aggressively for openings around homes. Preventing access to potential nest spots can deter them.
Roosting spot
In addition to nesting, nuthatches may be tapping on your house as they search for safe nighttime roosting spots. Sealing any openings larger than about 1/2 inch will exclude them.
Possible Solutions
Here are some recommendations for stopping nuisance nuthatch pecking on your home:
- Seal holes, gaps, and crevices with caulk to eliminate access.
- Discourage roosting by installing prickly bird control spikes.
- Use insecticide spray or bait around the house foundation to reduce food.
- Scare with predator decoys like owls or hawks.
- Cover areas being pecked with plastic sheeting or mesh.
- Attach flexible plastic coil strips near entrances.
- Apply taste deterrent gels to discourage pecking.
Focus on trouble spots like window and door frames, siding joints, roof gables, and overhangs. Remove any exterior nests you find as well. Persistence is key in training nuthatches to look elsewhere.
When to Get Professional Help
Contact a wildlife control professional or pest control company if:
- Damage from pecking holes is excessive.
- Nuthatches enter the home interior.
- You are unable to seal access points.
- Simple deterrents and exclusion fail to work.
- There is an extensive insect problem around the home.
- Nuthatches pose safety risks like causing power outages.
Professionals have specialized equipment, materials, and expertise to remove nuthatches humanely and legally resolve even severe infestations. They can also identify and eliminate any factors around the property that may be attracting the birds.
Table of Nuthatch Species in North America
| Species | Description | Range |
|---|---|---|
| White-breasted Nuthatch | Blue-gray upperparts, white face and undersides | Across southern Canada, USA, and Mexico |
| Red-breasted Nuthatch | Blue-gray upperparts, reddish underparts | Across Canada and western USA |
| Pygmy Nuthatch | Brown back, whitish below with brown cap | Western North America |
| Brown-headed Nuthatch | Blue-gray upperparts, brown cap and sides of head | Southeastern USA |
Conclusion
In summary, nuthatches are active little songbirds that may persistently peck on houses as they search for food, nesting spots, or night roosts. While their behavior can cause minor property damage or be a nuisance, there are effective exclusion techniques and deterrents to humanely stop the pecking. With some diligent effort, you can train nuthatches that your house is not a source of food or shelter and encourage them to move along. Contacting a professional may be advisable if the problem becomes severe. I hope this overview on why nuthatches peck houses and how to stop them has been helpful! Let me know if you have any other questions.
