The Red-breasted Nuthatch is a small songbird. They have slate-blue upper bodies with reddish bellies. Their white faces are capped in black and they have black stripes over their eyes. Males and females are similarly colored, although females are somewhat duller.
Red-breasted Nuthatches excavate tree cavities for nesting. The cavity is lined with grass and other vegetation by the female prior to egg-laying.
Red-breasted Nuthatches range across the United States and much of Canada. They are residents in the northern part of their range; in the winter they can be found further south.
Red-breasted Nuthatches feed primarily on insects; when those are not available they will eat seeds. They will also visit back yard feeding stations.
