Brown-headed Nuthatch

Taxobox
name = Brown-headed Nuthatch
status = LC
status_system = IUCN3.1

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image_width = 220px
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Aves
ordo = Passeriformes
familia = Sittidae
genus = "Sitta"
species = "S. pusilla"
binomial = "Sitta pusilla"
binomial_authority = Latham, 1790
range_

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range_map_width = 220px
range_map_caption = Range in green

The Brown-headed Nuthatch, "Sitta pusilla", is a small (approx. 3.5 inch) songbird found in pine forests throughout the Southeastern United States; there is also a dwindling population in the Bahamas. The bird, like other nuthatches, possesses a sharp black nail-like beak, which it uses to pound open seeds. It is a frequent visitor to feeding stations and is highly fond of sunflower seeds and suet cakes.

Bold and inquisitive, this bird is readily approachable by humans. The bird is frequently observed using a small chip of bark held in its beak as a tool to dig for insects.

This species of nuthatch sports a brown cap with narrow black eyeline and buff white cheeks, chin, and belly. Its wings are bluish-gray in color. A small white spot is found at the nape of the neck. The bird's call is a sharp "whee-hyah" sounding very similar to a "rubber duck" toy and particularly is loud for a bird its size. They also make softer "pit pit pit" calls while in flight as well as other squeaking noises.

References

* Database entry includes justification for why this species is of least concern.

External links

* [http://www.mbr-pwrc.usgs.gov/id/framlst/i7290id.html Brown-Headed Nuthatch at USGS.gov]
* [http://www.birds.cornell.edu/birdhouse/bird_bios/speciesaccounts/brhnut.html Brown-Headed Nuthatch at the Birdhouse Network]
* [http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Brown-headed_Nuthatch_dtl.html Brown-headed Nuthatch at the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology Bird Guide]
* [http://ibc.hbw.com/ibc/phtml/especie.phtml?idEspecie=7443 Brown-Headed Nuthatch videos] on the Internet Bird Collection