Distinguishing Characteristics

Crown black in males, generally grayish in females. In some females, however, especially in the southeastern US, crown is so dark as to appear black under most conditions (Wood 1992). Both sexes have white face and breast. Back bluish-gray, wing coverts have white edging. Undertail coverts and sides rusty; intensity of this color may vary. Tail short, with white corners visible in flight. Female duller and grayer overall than male. Bill is largest among American nuthatches, nearly as long as head, and slightly upturned. Juvenile paler than adult, especially on crown (sex for sex); also has more pronounced wing bars and loosely textured undertail coverts (Pyle 1997).

Noticeably larger than other North American nuthatches and not likely to be confused with any of them. White breast separates this species from all but Brown-headed Nuthatch (S. pusilla), which is smaller and has brown cap, dark line through eye, and white spot on hindneck. Calls longer, less nasal than those of Red-breasted Nuthatch; lower and less “twangy” than those of Pygmy and Brown-headed nuthatches.