The best feeder for brown-headed nuthatches
Travels in family groups through pine woods; readily uses small nest boxes in pine yards.
Feeder styles that work
Suits small clinging and perching birds and keeps seed dry.
High-fat food in winter; a tail prop suits woodpeckers.
What to fill it with
- Black-oil sunflower
- Suet
Sizing the feeder to the bird
The Brown-headed Nuthatch measures 3.9–4.3 in and weighs 0.3–0.4 oz. Perches, ports and landing surfaces need to fit that frame — too small and the bird can't feed comfortably, too open and larger birds and squirrels dominate.
Keep it clean
Scrub feeders every two weeks in hot soapy water, soak 10 minutes in a 1:9 bleach solution, rinse and dry before refilling. Rake up hulls underneath.
Frequently asked
What kind of feeder is best for brown-headed nuthatches?
Tube feeder with short perches. Suits small clinging and perching birds and keeps seed dry.
What should I put in a feeder for brown-headed nuthatches?
Black-oil sunflower, Suet.
Where should I place a feeder for brown-headed nuthatches?
Travels in family groups through pine woods; readily uses small nest boxes in pine yards.
Sources
- Brown-headed Nuthatch — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Brown-headed Nuthatch life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Brown-headed 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.