Pygmy Nuthatchs in Washington
When pygmy nuthatches are present in Washington, when they nest, which native Washington plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 4a–9a yard.
- Status in Washington
- Year-round resident
- Nesting window
- May–June
- Broods
- 1 per season
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4a–9a
- Nest box
- 1 1/4 in hole, 4 × 4 in floor, 8–20 ft
When to expect pygmy nuthatches in Washington
Pygmy Nuthatchs live in Washington all year. Mild, wet winters on the Puget Sound; cold winters in the east. That makes the cold months the time your yard matters most to them: their winter diet shifts toward pine seeds.
Marine west-coast climate west of the Cascades, semi-arid shrub-steppe to the east.
Nesting in Washington
Across Washington, pygmy nuthatches typically nest from May–June. Nest site: cavity in dead pine; nest boxes. Females lay 4–9 eggs, incubate for 14–16 days, and young leave the nest after 20–22 days.
Dry, sunny summers west of the Cascades; hot in the Columbia Basin.
- Have boxes cleaned and mounted before April — pygmy nuthatches begin prospecting ahead of egg-laying.
- Use a 1 1/4 in entrance on a 4 × 4 in floor, mounted 8–20 ft.
- Fit a pole baffle or hole guard; ventilation gaps and drainage holes are essential.
- Clean out old nests after each brood and again after June.
Native Washington plants that attract pygmy nuthatches
Of the regional native plants we track for Washington, these 8 provide food or cover pygmy nuthatches use:
Insect-rich in fall and seed in winter.
Catkin seed feeds redpolls and siskins all winter.
Dark summer fruit and heavy caterpillar load.
Berry-like cones feed bluebirds, solitaires and waxwings in winter.
Seeds and bark insects; pygmy nuthatch and woodpecker habitat.
Late-season bloom supports insects; seed for sparrows.
Acorns and a rich insect community in the Pacific Northwest.
Seed for crossbills, siskins and chickadees.
Feeding pygmy nuthatches through the Washington year
Roosts communally — over 100 birds recorded in one cavity on cold nights. Needs ponderosa pine.
- Best foods: Suet, Sunflower chips.
- In Washington's winter: Mild, wet winters on the Puget Sound; cold winters in the east.
Full diet breakdown for pygmy nuthatches · Best feeder for pygmy nuthatches
Frequently asked
Are pygmy nuthatches in Washington year-round?
Yes. Pygmy Nuthatchs are year-round residents in Washington.
When do pygmy nuthatches nest in Washington?
Nesting in Washington typically runs May–June, with 1 per season. Clutches are 4–9 eggs, incubated for 14–16 days.
What native plants attract pygmy nuthatches in Washington?
Tall goldenrod, Paper birch, Chokecherry, Rocky Mountain juniper, Ponderosa pine, Rabbitbrush, Oregon white oak, Douglas fir are native plants in Washington that provide food or cover for pygmy nuthatches.
What size birdhouse hole do pygmy nuthatches need?
1 1/4 in, with a floor of 4 × 4 in mounted 8–20 ft.
Pygmy Nuthatchs in other regions
Other backyard birds in Washington
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
- eBird region overview and bar charts — Washington
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023)
- Audubon Native Plants Database
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.