Nuthatch Nesting boxes are often placed at the opening of the park for people to take to help this bird population. They are free, but we request a donation to the park. They are also sold at WestSide Market in Toco Hills, where all profits go back to the park.
The Brown–headed Nuthatch (BHNH) is a non-migratory species identified as declining in Georgia by authorities including the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and National Audubon Society. Their preferred habitat of pine woodlands has been disappearing due to urbanization and deforestation. This birdhouse was built for them!
Identification: The Brown-headed nuthatch appears rather round thanks to its short tail, legs, and neck. It also has a chisel-like bill that looks a little too big for its body. This bird is white below and gray above with a brown head. Finer inspection reveals a white spot on the back of the head and small white spots in the tail that are visible in flight. Males and females look similar.
Set up/Placement
- Nuthatches prefer semi-open habitat, but they are quite willing to nest in wooded and open areas – as long as there are pine trees nearby. Nuthatches will nest in the shade.
- You can put up your houses near the edge of woods, on existing trees, or mounted on poles.
- Mount boxes at least 5 feet above ground.
- Place so that the house gets morning sun. It does not have to be direct. Just don’t place facing west.
About the House:
- The side of the house hinges open so you can clean it out as outlined below
- There is a rain ridge under the roof of the house that prevents water from coming in
- There is no perch, which prevent predators from entering, including other birds
- There are ventilation holes on the sides and the bottom – which aids with drainage.
Nesting:
Nuthatches begin building nesting areas as early as December, but hatching nests mostly in early May and usually lay 5-7 white-speckled-with-brown eggs from March through early May, with babies leaving the nest by early June. But these little birds, are non-migratory, which means they also roost in boxes all winter, so putting up boxes any time helps our squeaky friends.About 25% of BHNH double brood, which means a 2nd wrong of eggs.
Nuthatches love to use the same home year after year. It is so much fun to see your little nuthatch return to the same cozy home you have provided! A good fall cleaning to remove all the old nest materials is a good idea. You can clean out the box starting in August, so it is ready to be a protected winter roosting spot.
It might also be worthwhile mentioning that brownheaded nuthatches are one of the few cooperatively breeding species living in the US. People using your nest boxes may notice that more than two birds are feeding the chicks (the helpers don’t involve themselves in incubation – just chick feeding, territorial defense, etc). Because chickadees are also attracted to these boxes, larger nuthatch groups are better at defending their cavity from chickadees that try to usurp their box.
Next steps:
- To help track habitat, you can register your birdhouse at: nextwatch.org
- Please make a donation to the Friends of Mary Scott Nature Park via Venmo