Watercolor portrait of Brown-headed Nuthatch (Sitta pusilla)

Brown-headed Nuthatch

Sitta pusilla
Uncommon Primary Song

Learn to identify the Brown-headed Nuthatch by ear. Master the "squeaky toy" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“a rapid series of high-pitched squeaky "pit…pit…pit…" notes”

What the Brown-headed Nuthatch sounds like

The Brown-headed Nuthatch is a tiny, energetic songbird of the southeastern pine woods. With its endearing rubber-ducky squeaks, it flits up and down trunks and along branches, probing bark crevices for insects and prying open pine seeds with its chisel-like bill. Family-oriented and inquisitive, it often travels in tight groups and will readily use nestboxes as well as natural cavities.

“squeaky toy”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:Often delivered by males early in the breeding season from a high perch; longer, more musical than calls, sometimes accelerating toward the end. Often written as “a rapid series of high-pitched squeaky "pit…pit…pit…" notes”.
Don't confuse with:The Pygmy Nuthatch — range confined to western pine forests

Where you'll hear it

Permanent resident across the Coastal Plain and Piedmont of the southeastern United States, from eastern Texas and Oklahoma east to the Atlantic and north to southern Maryland and southeastern Missouri.

Mature and open pine forests—especially longleaf, loblolly, shortleaf, and slash pine stands—burned frequently enough to keep an open mid-story. Also visits pine groves in parks, plantations, and large yards.

Non-migratory. Breeding activity peaks February–June; fledged young may remain with parents as helpers through late summer. Increased flocking and caching observed in fall and winter.

Similar species

Pygmy Nuthatch

Range confined to western pine forests

White-breasted Nuthatch

Larger with white face and black or gray cap

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Blue-gray upperparts and rusty underparts

Brown-headed Nuthatch song FAQ

What does a Brown-headed Nuthatch sound like?
Often delivered by males early in the breeding season from a high perch; longer, more musical than calls, sometimes accelerating toward the end. Listen for the "squeaky toy" phrase.
How do I tell a Brown-headed Nuthatch from a Pygmy Nuthatch by sound?
Pygmy Nuthatch: Range confined to western pine forests; Has brown crown and gray-brown back with no pale nape patch; Slightly smaller voice, calls are faster "pit-pit-pit" notes.
When is the best time to hear a Brown-headed Nuthatch?
Non-migratory. Breeding activity peaks February–June; fledged young may remain with parents as helpers through late summer. Increased flocking and caching observed in fall and winter.