Nuthatch
Sitta europaea
Overview
Nuthatches climb down head first. Treecreepers don't. That blue-grey back. Grizedale. Borrowdale. That pew-pew call. They wedge nuts in bark and hack them open. Expanding north. More in the Lakes now.
At a Glance
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Sittidae |
| Habitat | Woodland · Oak · Mature trees |
| Diet | Insects, nuts. Wedges nuts in bark. |
| UK population | Around 220,000 pairs. Expanding north. |
| Lake District | Grizedale. Borrowdale. Oak woodland. That blue-grey. They climb down head first. Unlike treecreeper. That pew-pew call. Expanding in the Lakes. |
| Conservation | UK Green List |
Where to See It
Woodland. Grizedale, Borrowdale, the eastern Lakes. That blue-grey back. Climbs down head first.
Identification
Blue-grey back. Orange underparts. Climbs down head first. Strong bill. Unmistakeable.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Oak woodland. Grizedale. Borrowdale. That pew-pew. They climb down. Treecreepers don't.
Conservation Status
UK Green List
This species is on the UK Green List, indicating a healthy population status in the UK context. It remains an important component of Lake District biodiversity.
Plan your visit to the Lake District
RSPB Haweswater, Grizedale Forest, Leighton Moss. Practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.