• Skip to Content
  • Skip to Main Navigation
  • Skip to Local Navigation
  • Skip to Search
  • Skip to Sitemap
  • Skip to Footer
Help develop a Bird ID tool!

Brown-headed Nuthatch

Sitta pusilla ORDER: PASSERIFORMES FAMILY: SITTIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

  • Similar Species
  • Related Species
  • Go to:

One of the few birds found almost exclusively in the United States, the Brown-headed Nuthatch is restricted to the pine forests of the southeastern states. A small but declining population is also found in the Bahamas.

Donate to Bird Cams
Get BNA: the definitive resource for North American birds

Appearance

Nuthatches
Nuthatches
Typical Voice

Adult Description

  • Small nuthatch; climbs headfirst down tree trunks.
  • Crown dull brown.
  • Underparts whitish.
  • Back, nape, wings, and rump blue gray.

Immature Description

Immature similar to adult, but duller and with more gray and less brown. White neck spot indistinct or absent.

Range Map Help

Brown-headed Nuthatch Range Map
View dynamic map of eBird sightings

Field MarksHelp

  • Adult
    Zoom In

    Brown-headed Nuthatch

    Adult
    • © Brian E. Small

Similar Species

  • Pygmy Nuthatch has gray-brown cap, white at base of central tail feathers, blacker eyestripe, and a less distinct white nape patch. Ranges do not overlap.
  • Red-breasted Nuthatch larger, has white eyestripe, black or dark gray crown, and is reddish underneath.