Brown-headed nuthatch facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Brown-headed nuthatch |
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S. p. caniceps |
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| Range of S. pusilla |
The brown-headed nuthatch (Sitta pusilla) is a small songbird. You can find it in pine forests across the Southeastern United States. Scientists have studied their genes. They found that nuthatches in Florida are quite similar. But those in south Florida have less genetic variety. This might be because their forest homes are broken up.
A group of these birds in the Bahamas is different from those in Florida. Some experts, like the IOC, still call the Bahama nuthatch a subspecies (S. p. insularis). But other groups, like IUCN and BirdLife International, now say it's its own separate species. Recent studies looked at their calls. They found important differences between the Bahama and mainland nuthatches. The studies also showed that these groups did not react strongly to each other's calls. Scientists often use call-response studies like this to figure out if similar-looking animals are actually different species.
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About the Brown-headed Nuthatch
This bird, like other nuthatches, has a sharp, strong beak. It uses its beak to crack open seeds. You can often see it at bird feeders. It really loves sunflower seeds and suet cakes. These birds are brave and curious. They often let people get quite close to them.
Cool Behaviors
Brown-headed nuthatches are known for using small pieces of bark or twigs. They hold these in their beak like tools. They use them to dig for insects!
They also show some interesting social behaviors. Sometimes, groups of 3 to 5 adult nuthatches work together. They help take care of the young in a single nest. Recent genetic studies suggest that some of these "helper" adults might actually have their own nests nearby. These birds also preen each other. They even sing songs together, like duets between males and females. This is similar to what the Pygmy Nuthatch does.
Size and Looks
The brown-headed nuthatch is about the same size as the pygmy nuthatch. These two species are the smallest nuthatches in the world! A brown-headed nuthatch is usually 9–11 cm (3.5–4.3 in) long. Its wingspan is about 16–18 cm (6.3–7.1 in). It weighs around 10–12 g (0.35–0.42 oz).
This bird has a brown cap on its head. It has a thin black line near its eye. Its cheeks, chin, and belly are a buff-white color. Its wings are bluish-gray. You can also spot a small white patch on the back of its neck.
Their Call
The brown-headed nuthatch makes a sharp whee-hyah sound. It can sound a lot like a "rubber duck" toy! This call is quite loud for such a small bird. They also make softer "pit pit pit" calls when they are flying. Plus, they make other squeaking noises. If you hear or see this bird clearly, it's hard to mistake it for another. Other nuthatches like the red-breasted and white-breasted nuthatches look very different and are larger.
Images for kids
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Brown-headed Nuthatch
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Brown-headed Nuthatch at Ash, North Carolina
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Range of S. pusilla
See also
In Spanish: Trepador cabecipardo para niños
