Sounds

Figure 4. Vocalizations of the White-breasted Nuthatch

Vocalizations

Development

“Begging.” This call exhibits gradual changes during development of young. First given within 24 h after hatching, it varies in duration and frequency (Ritchison 1983).

“Juvenile squeal.” A single note, given by a 24–d–old female while being held (Ritchison 1983).

Vocal array

Songs

Generally quiet during breeding season and summer. The song, heard most often in late winter and spring, is simple, consisting of a regular series of about 6–8 notes given by males (Bent 1948; Fig. 4), rendered into syllables such as hah-hah-hah and what-what-what (Allen 1929) or 8–10 what or wurp notes (Kilham 1972), and termed whinnies by Elliott (2005).

Rate of winter song production was related to hour of day, day of winter, and the interaction between the two (Elliott 2005). The rate of singing in the morning increased through the winter, peaking in late winter as the breeding season commenced. Slow and fast song were distinguished (Ritchison 1983), with fast song containing about twice as many notes per unit time as the slow song. Over the course of a winter, both slow song and fast song increased when a male’s mate was temporarily removed, but fast song increased significantly more than the slow song with approach of the end-of-winter breeding season, suggesting that fast-song functions more in mate attraction than does slow song (Elliott 2005). The speed of singing may be related to a bird’s internal state, with both song types serving for territorial defense and courtship (Ritchison 1983). Both sexes call, but only males sing (Bent 1948, Ritchison 1983).

Nuthatches sing actively in spring, but only rarely and in the morning hours at other times of year (Bent 1948). Kilham (1972) reported that nuthatch song continues from Jan until about mid-May, with a short intermission in late Mar.

Calls

Thirteen different calls noted from adults (Ritchison 1983):

Hit and tuck (also known as ink calls; Elliott 2005). Single notes. The most common nuthatch call, given year round, but more often in autumn and winter. Pair-bonded males and females often exchange these calls. During winter, rate of delivery of hit and tuck notes was best explained by models that included as independent variables, windchill, proportion of time members of a pair spent within 10 m of each other, hour of day, day of winter, and whether the pair were isolated in a small woodlot or surrounded by other pairs in a large woodlot (Elliott 2005).

Tchup. Single note. Used to announce the arrival of a parent at the nest. Young nuthatches always respond with begging calls.

Quank (also known as yank calls; Elliott 2005). Single note, used by both sexes; seems to express mild excitement. Commonly given when a foraging bird is approached by a human observer. During winter, rate of production of quanks was best explained by models containing social category (isolated or social pair), day of winter, and whether the birds were < 10 m apart. Quank rate was higher in social pairs, and lower in colder windchills and as the winter progressed (Elliott 2005).

“Discontinuous” quank. A series of notes repeated at various intervals, given by both sexes; seems to express heightened excitement, as when a potential predator appears.

Quank, quank. Two quank calls in rapid succession (Fig. 4). Both sexes give this call in a variety of circumstances, usually connected with a high level of excitement.

“Rapid” quank. A series of 4–18 quank calls, seemingly expressing a high level of excitement. Given when birds observe a predator near the nest or when male chases an intruder nuthatch from the territory. Also described as “agonistic” (Kilham 1981).

“Rough” quank. A series of notes repeated at varying intervals. The rapid modulation in frequency had a “rough” effect upon the quality of the produced sound. Given by both sexes, the call appears to express the highest level of excitement and is heard only during the period before nesting.

Chrr. A series of rapid, short notes given only by the female, only prior to nesting. Similar to the begging calls of nestlings, it appears to induce courtship feeding by the male.

Phee-oo. A single note, heard only during the mating and nesting period. Given before and during sexual pursuit flights and produced by females immediately after copulation, it may convey sexual excitement.

Squeal. Usually given when a bird is being removed from a trap or mistnet. Female give this call more often than males.

Non-Vocal Sounds

None with a communicative function.