March 22, 2025, 9:17 am | Read time: 4 minutes
The nuthatch is a true acrobat among birds — it is the only bird in Europe that can climb down tree trunks upside down. But its impressive abilities go far beyond that. PETBOOK has compiled some interesting facts about the nuthatch and asked an expert why this small bird plays an important role in our ecosystem.
The nuthatch (Sitta europaea) is an adept climber and a cherished inhabitant of the forest. This wild bird forages for insects, caches seeds, and constructs intricate nests. Dr. Angelika Nelson is an ornithologist at the Landesbund für Vogel- und Naturschutz in Bayern e.V. (LBV) and explains to PETBOOK why this bird is so special and what surprising skills distinguish it.
Habitat and Distribution of the Nuthatch
The nuthatch is widespread in Germany and prefers old deciduous and mixed forests with a high proportion of oak and beech trees. It also thrives in the ideal conditions found in parks, expansive gardens, and orchards. Crucial to its nesting are old trees that feature natural cavities or those created by woodpeckers. Its range extends from Europe across the Asian forest belt to the Pacific coast and even includes Morocco, Asia Minor, Iran, and the Caucasus.
Is the Nuthatch Endangered?
According to Dr. Nelson, the nuthatch is not currently endangered. “In Germany and Europe, its population is stable, and it is classified by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) as ‘not endangered’ (Least Concern),” explains the bird expert. However, the felling of old trees is a problem for the bird, as it is dependent on natural tree hollows. Adaptable as it is, it is increasingly colonizing gardens, where special nesting boxes can help.
Ecological Importance of the Nuthatch
“The nuthatch plays an important role in the forest ecosystem by reducing tree pests, spreading seeds, and creating habitats for other species,” says the ornithologist. It feeds on insects, spiders, and larvae, which it tracks down under the bark of trees — including pests such as the bark beetle. In the fall, it hides beechnuts and hazelnuts in tree crevices.
Many of these are not found again and germinate, which contributes to the spread of trees. “This benefits other cavity-nesting birds such as tits, pied flycatchers, and bats, which can use these nests later,” explains Dr. Nelson. However, the small bird itself can become prey for other animals.
Hunting Techniques and Stockpiling
It also has a unique ability: “The nuthatch is the only bird in Europe that can climb down a tree trunk upside down.” Its strong claws give it support. It uses its narrow beak to retrieve insects from tree crevices.
It wedges large seeds and nuts into crevices and picks them up with its beak in so-called “forges.” To secure supplies, it sticks seeds in cracks with saliva so that they do not fall out easily or get eaten by other animals.
Breeding Behavior and Nest-Building
Dr. Nelson shares that the nuthatch attaches great importance to safety: “If the entrance hole is large enough for larger birds or mammals to enter, the nuthatch narrows the entrance until only it can just fit through.” To do this, it sticks lumps of earth to the cavity opening with its beak.
“The female usually builds the nest,” explains Dr. Nelson. Nest building usually begins in March, and the female lays six to seven eggs in April. The young birds fledge at the beginning of June and usually stay close to their parents.
Loud Communication
Although the nuthatch often climbs hidden between branches, it draws attention to itself with distinctive calls. “During flight, it often makes a loud, melodic ‘twäit twäit.'” It emits a rapid “wuit-wuit-wuit” as a warning call, while the penetrating “düi düi düi” serves as its territorial call.
Its song is particularly audible in winter: “You can hear its melodious song starting in late December, often on sunny days throughout the mid to late winter season, and even during intense frost and substantial snowfall.”
Using the vocalization “sit,” partners or families in search of food keep in touch through sound. “This sound can also be heard from the females, whereas, otherwise, only the males sing,” says the expert. However, the song almost completely stops as soon as the birds start breeding.
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Interesting Facts about the Nuthatch
Dr. Nelson shares that population fluctuations depend heavily on the availability of food: “When the beech trees produce a particularly large number of beechnuts, more nuthatches survive the winter than in times when food is scarce.”
The nuthatch specializes in foraging in narrow crevices — with its small beak, it can only loosen small pieces of bark. Its name is particularly noteworthy: “The name nuthatch describes the bird’s ability to narrow the entrance to the breeding cavity by ‘sticking’ small balls of clay so that no larger bird can fit through.” Thus, the diminutive nuthatch is a virtuoso of survival and a vital component of our ecosystem.