Red-breasted Nuthatch

Nest box Plan and Information

Select another species:

Red-breasted Nuthatch
© Ron Kube
Construction difficulty:
moderate

Download Nest Box Plan

Species in decline

This species is in decline in certain regions. You can put up a nest box to help if you live in the right region and habitat.

  • Declining
  • Not declining
  • Not present
Source: USGS

Nesting Range

Red-breasted Nuthatch Range Source: Birds of the World

Nesting Habitat

  • Forest
  • Mountain

Attach Nest Box To

  • Building
  • Live tree
  • Pole

Known Nesting Period

Not Nesting
Some Nesting Occurrence
Nesting in Most of Range
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Source: Birds of the World

Nest Box Placement

Nest Height:
5ft
15ft

5–15 feet

Minimum Spacing:

150 feet

Facing:

Away from prevailing wind

Nest Box Measurements

Entrance Hole:

1 1/4"

Depth:

8"

Width & Length:

5 1/2"

5 1/2"

Click here to get this plan

Helpful Tips

  • Red-breasted Nuthatches typically excavate their own nest cavities in dead trees and only rarely use nest boxes; therefore, nest boxes are more likely to be successful in areas where dead trees are absent.
  • Red-breasted Nuthatch habitat is mature conifer-dominated forest. These nuthatches apply conifer resin to the entrance of nest holes, which may function to reduce competition and predation.
  • Place 1" wood shavings in box floor.