What does the White-breasted Nuthatch eat?

The White-breasted Nuthatch's diet shapes where and when you'll find it. Understanding what it eats helps you predict where to look.

Diet overview

Omnivore, primarily insectivorous during breeding season, shifting to seeds and nuts in winter.

How it forages

Forages by creeping along tree trunks and branches, often headfirst, probing bark crevices for insects and spiders. Also consumes seeds and nuts, which it often wedges into bark crevices and hammers open with its bill (a behavior known as 'hatching'). Will visit bird feeders for sunflower seeds and suet.

When it feeds

Diurnal.

Explore the White-breasted Nuthatch