The White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) is a small songbird found throughout much of North America. These active little birds are a familiar sight at backyard bird feeders, where they quickly dart in to grab a sunflower seed before scurrying up or down tree trunks.
Nuthatches get their name from their habit of jamming large nuts and seeds into tree bark and then whacking them with their bills to “hatch” them open. In addition to sunflower seeds, they also eat insects, spiders, nuts, and acorns.
Nuthatches are secondary cavity nesters, meaning they don’t excavate their own nesting cavities but instead rely on existing holes in dead trees or previously excavated cavities. They readily take advantage of nest boxes as long as the hole is the right size. Offering properly sized nest boxes in your yard is a great way to attract breeding nuthatches.
Here we’ll look at the factors that determine whether or not White-breasted Nuthatches will use nest boxes, including:
Entrance hole size
Interior dimensions
Height placement
Location
Time of year
Understanding these key points will help you determine if nuthatches are likely to move into the birdhouses in your yard.
Entrance Hole Size
The size of the entrance hole is one of the most important factors in enticing White-breasted Nuthatches to use a nest box. If the hole is too large, they may reject the box or other larger birds may move in. If it’s too small, they won’t be able to fit inside.
Nuthatches prefer a hole that is 1 1/8 to 1 1/4 inches in diameter. This matches the size of natural cavities they nest in. Avoid boxes with perches, overhangs, or features that make the entrance larger than 1 1/4 inches.
Here is a table showing recommended nest box hole sizes for White-breasted Nuthatches:
| Entrance Hole Diameter | Suitability for Nuthatches |
|---|---|
| 1 inch | Too small |
| 1 1/8 – 1 1/4 inches | Ideal size |
| 1 1/2 inches | May be too large |
Aim for a hole diameter right in the 1 1/8 to 1 1/4 inch sweet spot. This will give nuthatches easy access while excluding larger species.
Interior Dimensions
In addition to entrance hole size, the interior volume of the nest box needs to match the small stature of nuthatches. A box that’s too big on the inside may not be attractive.
The interior dimensions should allow for the entrance hole to be placed high up, but still provide adequate room for the nest, incubating adult, and growing nestlings below.
Here are the ideal interior dimensions for a nuthatch nest box:
- Floor dimensions: 4 x 4 inches
- Depth: 8 – 12 inches
- Inside volume: 1 – 1.5 quarts
This compact interior space matches the cozy natural cavities nuthatches nest in. Make sure any nest box you put up doesn’t exceed these recommended dimensions.
Height Placement
Nuthatches naturally nest high up in dead snags and trees. Place nest boxes targeted for nuthatches 8-20 feet high on tree trunks.
Mounting them higher makes it harder for predators to access the box. Lower boxes are more likely to be taken over by other cavity nesters like chickadees or bluebirds.
If attaching multiple boxes, stagger the heights so nuthatches have options. Orient the entrance hole downward so rain doesn’t get inside.
Here is a table showing recommended height ranges for nuthatch nest boxes:
| Mounting Height | Suitability for Nuthatches |
|---|---|
| 5 – 7 feet | Too low |
| 8 – 20 feet | Ideal height range |
| Over 20 feet | May limit access |
Aim for a height of 10-15 feet to place the box securely within the optimal zone.
Location
In the wild, White-breasted Nuthatches nest in mature woodlands and forests with plenty of big old trees. They especially favor habitat with dead snags.
When putting up nest boxes, look for locations that mimic their natural nesting environment. Good options include:
- Woods, forests, or treed parks
- Your backyard if you have mature trees
- Areas near dead trees or tree stumps
Avoid putting boxes in open areas away from trees. Nuthatches need forest cover to feel secure when approaching the box.
If possible, position the box on a large tree trunk at least 6 inches in diameter. Old deciduous trees like oaks work well. Point the entrance hole downward so it’s protected from the rain.
Make sure to get any permits needed if mounting boxes on public land. Proper placement in prime habitat is key to attracting nesting nuthatches.
Time of Year
Nuthatches in most parts of the country start prospecting for nest sites in late winter and early spring. The timing depends partly on latitude:
- Southern states: December – February
- Northern states: late February – April
To attract nesting pairs, have nest boxes installed before breeding activity begins. Shooting for late winter is ideal for ensuring boxes are ready when nuthatches start searching.
Leaving boxes up year-round is fine, but clean out old nests after the breeding season ends. Be sure to put boxes in place before the target species starts nest-building.
Here is a table summarizing the optimal nest box installation timeline by region:
| Region | Installation Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Southern states | Late November – January |
| Northern states | February – early March |
| Mountain West | Mid-February – mid-March |
Getting nest boxes up according to this schedule will maximize your chances of attracting nesting nuthatches.
Tips for Success
Follow these additional tips to make your nest boxes as attractive as possible to White-breasted Nuthatches:
- Use rough-cut unfinished wood for a natural look.
- Add ventilation holes for air flow.
- Line the floor with an inch of wood chips.
- Cover drainage holes with screen to keep predators out.
- Apply non-toxic stain or exterior paint if desired.
- Clean boxes out annually after breeding season.
Making sure boxes mimic natural cavities used by nuthatches will entice them to take up residence. With proper placement and design, you stand an excellent chance of hosting these active little birds.
Conclusion
By understanding the nesting preferences of White-breasted Nuthatches, you can provide attractive nest boxes in your yard. Key factors like entrance hole size, interior dimensions, height, location, and timing all influence whether or not nuthatches will use a nest box.
Follow the recommendations outlined above regarding:
- An entrance hole 1 1/8 – 1 1/4 inches in diameter
- A small interior volume less than 1.5 quarts
- Mounting the box 8-20 feet high on a tree
- Placing it in mature forest habitat
- Making sure boxes are up by late winter before breeding starts
In addition, use natural materials, add ventilation and drainage, and include wood chips inside. With attention to all these details, you can feel confident nuthatches will take advantage of suitable nest boxes in your yard. Enjoy observing these active little birds as they busily come and go, feeding their young in the breeding season ahead.
