Watercolor portrait of Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis)

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta canadensis
Partially migratory and irruptive Breeds in coniferous forests Common Yank-yank song

Learn to identify the Red-breasted Nuthatch by ear. Master the "yank yank yank" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“yank-yank-yank...”

What the Red-breasted Nuthatch sounds like

A very small songbird that creeps along tree trunks like a mouse with feathers. It has a blue-gray back, a rust-orange underside (hence "red-breasted"), and a striking black-and-white face: a bold black eye stripe and a white supercilium (eyebrow) above it. The cap is black in males and bluish-gray in females. It has a short tail and almost no neck, giving it a compact shape. Its call is a distinctive nasal yank-yank sound. Often seen climbing headfirst down tree trunks in coniferous woods. In behavior and shape, it's similar to other nuthatches, but the only one with a reddish belly in North America.

“yank yank yank”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:The Red-breasted Nuthatch's vocalizations blur the line between song and call. Its primary vocalization is a series of high-pitched, nasal "yank" notes often given in a steady string – this serves as its song or long-distance call. It sounds like a tiny tin horn repeatedly honking: "yank yank yank." Males may sing a longer, more rhythmic series of these notes during breeding season. Often written as “yank-yank-yank...”.
Don't confuse with:The White-breasted Nuthatch — larger, with a clean white face (no black eye-line) and a black (male) or gray (female) cap.

Lessons featuring the Red-breasted Nuthatch

Ready to test your ear? Practice identifying the Red-breasted Nuthatch's sounds in these interactive in-app lessons.

Winter Street Trees lesson habitat
Winter Street Trees
Tier 2 · Around the Block
Needle Notes: Tiny High Voices lesson habitat
Needle Notes: Tiny High Voices
Tier 6 · After Hours
Tiny Forest Talkers lesson habitat
Tiny Forest Talkers
Tier 12 · By Pitch and Pace
Start Learning Free

Where you'll hear it

Breeds in coniferous forests (spruce, fir, pine, cedar) across Canada, the northeastern and western U.S., and higher elevations in the Appalachians and Rockies. Also uses mixed forests that include a conifer component. In winter, when irruptive, they can be found in a variety of habitats including deciduous woods, parks, and gardens (especially if conifers or feeders are present). Often attracted to pine, spruce, or fir stands, even in urban areas during invasions. They nest in cavities that they often excavate in soft wood or dead snags.

During breeding season (spring/summer), pairs establish territories in conifer forests and excavate a nest cavity (often smearing sap around the entrance). They raise their young usually by early summer. By late summer, family groups may start foraging together. In the fall, if cone crops are poor, large numbers will migrate irruptively (August through November) into southern Canada and the United States far outside their breeding range. At these times, they show up at feeders and in deciduous woods in unusual abundance. In winter, they join mixed-species foraging flocks with chickadees, kinglets, and others. Come spring, irruptive individuals typically move back north (February-March), though some may stay and even attempt breeding if habitat is suitable. In their resident areas, they begin nesting as early as late April, often while snow is still melting in boreal zones.

Similar species

White-breasted Nuthatch

Larger, with a clean white face (no black eye-line) and a black (male) or gray (female) cap.

Brown-headed Nuthatch

Found in the Southeast, Brown-headed Nuthatches are similarly tiny but have a brown cap and very little face contrast (white spot on nape, but no eye stripe).

Red-breasted Nuthatch song FAQ

What does a Red-breasted Nuthatch sound like?
The Red-breasted Nuthatch's vocalizations blur the line between song and call. Its primary vocalization is a series of high-pitched, nasal "yank" notes often given in a steady string – this serves as its song or long-distance call. It sounds like a tiny tin horn repeatedly honking: "yank yank yank." Males may sing a longer, more rhythmic series of these notes during breeding season. Listen for the "yank yank yank" phrase.
How do I tell a Red-breasted Nuthatch from a White-breasted Nuthatch by sound?
White-breasted Nuthatch: Larger, with a clean white face (no black eye-line) and a black (male) or gray (female) cap.; Underparts are white (male) or light rust only on lower belly (female), not extensive rich orangey underparts.; White-breasted also tends to be in deciduous forests and has a different call (lower-pitched yank).; The Red-breasted is much smaller, more colorful (rich rusty below, strong face pattern)..
When is the best time to hear a Red-breasted Nuthatch?
During breeding season (spring/summer), pairs establish territories in conifer forests and excavate a nest cavity (often smearing sap around the entrance). They raise their young usually by early summer. By late summer, family groups may start foraging together. In the fall, if cone crops are poor, large numbers will migrate irruptively (August through November) into southern Canada and the United States far outside their breeding range. At these times, they show up at feeders and in deciduous woods in unusual abundance. In winter, they join mixed-species foraging flocks with chickadees, kinglets, and others. Come spring, irruptive individuals typically move back north (February-March), though some may stay and even attempt breeding if habitat is suitable. In their resident areas, they begin nesting as early as late April, often while snow is still melting in boreal zones.