Nuthatches are small compact songbirds with large heads and short tails. Most species have blue or grey upperparts and white underparts tinted orange, rufous, or lilac. They have variable head markings, but a long-black eyestripe with a white supercilium and dark forehead and cap is common. They have powerful, pointed bills and strong toes with long claws which give them the ability to climb down trees and rocks headfirst, and they do not rely on their tail for support.
Nuthatches are found across most of North America and Europe and throughout Asia down to the Wallace Line. Sparse populations are also found in Africa. They are woodland birds that inhabit coniferous or other evergreen forests, as well as rocky slopes and cliffs. Their diet consists mostly of insects but in winter they will also eat nuts and seeds. Larger food items are wedged into a crevice which they hack at with their strong bills, which gives the family its name.
Nuthatches are monogamous. They nest in cavities making a simple cup of soft materials or small pieces of bark or seed husks. Chicks are altricial and are fed by both parents. They fledge at about 21-27 days after hatching.
There are 28 species of nuthatches worldwide, 2 of which are found in the UK.
Species marked with a are occasional visitors.
