When it comes to feeding nuthatches, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Nuthatches are small, agile birds known for their ability to climb down trees headfirst. They have a unique feeding behavior, often storing food for later consumption. To attract nuthatches to your feeding area, it’s important to provide them with the right types of food.
One of the best foods to offer nuthatches is chopped nuts. Nuthatches have strong bills that can easily crack open nuts, so providing them with a mix of chopped peanuts, almonds, and walnuts can be highly appealing to them. These nuts are not only a great source of energy for the birds but also mimic their natural foraging behavior.
Seeds are another excellent option for feeding nuthatches. Black oil sunflower seeds, in particular, are a favorite among nuthatches. These small, high-energy seeds are easy for the birds to handle, and they often attract a variety of other backyard birds as well. You can offer seeds either in a specialized nuthatch feeder or in a tray feeder.
Suet is also a great choice for feeding nuthatches. Suet is a high-fat substance that provides birds with much-needed calories during the winter months when food sources may be scarce. Nuthatches are known to readily accept suet, and it can be offered in suet cages or specialized suet feeders. Look for suet that is specifically formulated for birds and avoid suet with additives or seasonings.
Now, let’s talk about the feeding setup. Nuthatches are known to hoard food, so it’s a good idea to provide them with feeding options that allow them to store their food for later consumption. One way to do this is by offering feeding trays or platforms with crevices or small holes where the birds can hide their food. This mimics their natural behavior of stuffing food into tree bark crevices.
In addition to providing the right types of food, it’s important to keep the feeding area clean and well-maintained. Regularly clean and refill feeders to prevent the spread of diseases and ensure a fresh supply of food. Keep in mind that nuthatches also need access to fresh water for drinking and bathing, so consider providing a shallow birdbath or water feature nearby.
In my personal experience, I have found that nuthatches are particularly fond of sunflower seeds and suet. I have a specialized nuthatch feeder with small holes where they can easily hide the seeds for later consumption. It’s always a delight to watch them visit the feeder, grab a seed, and quickly fly away to store it in the nearby trees. The nuthatches in my area also seem to prefer chopped peanuts, so I make sure to include those as well.
To summarize, to attract and feed nuthatches, offer them a variety of chopped nuts, seeds (especially black oil sunflower seeds), and suet. Provide feeding trays or platforms with crevices for them to store their food. Keep the feeding area clean and offer fresh water for drinking and bathing. By providing these essentials, you can create a welcoming environment for nuthatches and enjoy their delightful presence in your backyard.