Nuthatches (Sittidae)
Pygmy Nuthatch
Sitta pygmaea. Ponderosa pine seeds and insects.
Nuthatches (Sittidae)Pygmy NuthatchSitta pygmaea
- Scientific name
- Sitta pygmaea
- Length
- 3.5–4.3 in
- Weight
- 0.4 oz
- Nest
- Cavity in dead pine; nest boxes
- Entrance hole
- 1 1/4 in
- Clutch
- 4–9 eggs
- Incubation
- 14–16 days
- Broods
- 1 per season
Identification
- Grey-brown cap reaching the eye
- Blue-grey back and creamy underparts
- Tiny size
Voice
High, piping 'bip-bip' chatter.
Diet and feeding
Ponderosa pine seeds and insects.
What do pygmy nuthatches eat? · Best feeder for pygmy nuthatches
Pygmy Nuthatchs by state and province
| Region | Status | Nesting |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona | Year-round resident | April–June |
| British Columbia | Year-round resident | June |
| California | Year-round resident | April–June |
| Colorado | Year-round resident | May–June |
| Idaho | Year-round resident | May–June |
| Montana | Year-round resident | June |
| Nebraska | Year-round resident | May–June |
| Nevada | Year-round resident | May–June |
| New Mexico | Year-round resident | May–June |
| Oregon | Year-round resident | May–June |
| South Dakota | Year-round resident | May–June |
| Utah | Year-round resident | May–June |
| Washington | Year-round resident | May–June |
| Wyoming | Year-round resident | June |
Frequently asked
What do pygmy nuthatches eat?
Ponderosa pine seeds and insects. At feeders: suet, sunflower chips.
How big is a Pygmy Nuthatch?
3.5–4.3 in long and 0.4 oz.
Do pygmy nuthatches use birdhouses?
Yes — a 1 1/4 in entrance, 4 × 4 in floor, mounted 8–20 ft.
Sources
- Pygmy Nuthatch — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Pygmy Nuthatch life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Pygmy Nuthatch — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
- NestWatch nest box plans and species requirements — Cornell Lab
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.