Species - Eurasian Nuthatch (Sitta europaea)
Location - Cromwell Bottom Nature Reserve
Grid Ref - SE 12530 22199
The Nuthatch can be seen in most parts of the UK, except for Northern Scotland and as they are none migratory they can be seen all year round. It is a stunning bird and is the only bird than can climb upside down on trees and branches. The Eurasian Nuthatch is one of 15 different Nuthatch species world wide.
Like other nuthatches, it is a short-tailed bird with a long bill, blue-grey upper parts and a black eye-stripe. It is a vocal bird with a repeated loud dwip call. The preferred habitat is mature deciduous or mixed woodland with large, old trees, preferably oak. Pairs hold permanent territories, and nest in tree holes, usually old woodpecker nests, but sometimes natural cavities. If the entrance to the hole is too large, the female plasters it with mud to reduce its size, and often coats the inside of the cavity too. The 6–9 red-speckled white eggs are laid on a deep base of pine or other wood chips.
At a feeder at Cromwell Bottom Nature Reserve, a solitary nuthatch was showing nicely and was only a few feet away from me, its black eye stripe and upside down activities kept me entertained for hours.
