White-breasted Nuthatch

White-breasted Nuthatch

White-breasted Nuthatch

© Adam Bender

Construction Difficulty

moderate difficulty moderate

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Nesting Range

White-breasted Nuthatch Range
Source: Birds of the World

Nesting Habitat

  • icon Forest
  • icon Open Woodland

Attach Nest Box To

  • Live tree icon Live tree
  • Pole icon 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

Height Range From Ground

5ft
20ft
5–20 feet

Spacing Between Nest Boxes

1,040 feet

Facing

Entrance hole facing visualization
South

Nest Box Measurements

Entrance Hole Size

Entrance hole size visualization 1 1/4

Nest Box Depth (inside)

Nest box depth visualization 8

Nest Box Width and Length

Nest box width and length visualization 5 1/2 5 1/2

Helpful Tips

  • Although an uncommon nest box occupant, the White-breasted Nuthatch does occasionally use boxes when natural cavities are lacking (such as in wooded residential areas).
  • White-breasted Nuthatches stay on territory year round and may use boxes for winter roost sites.
  • Place 1" wood shavings in box floor.
  • If House Sparrows are a problem, move the box further into the forest interior.