Neighborhood Bird Project Report Species Highlight #4: Red-breasted Nuthatch

Red-breasted Nuthatch | Megumi Aita | Audubon Photography Awards

This article is based on our report Fewer and Fewer, which pulls from findings of the Neighborhood Bird Project. 

Sometimes called the “upside-down bird,” the Red-breasted Nuthatch is a charismatic little songbird, commonly seen (and heard) in urban forests, parks, and backyards across Seattle. The nickname comes from their quirky tendency to spend much of their time climbing down trees headfirst, utilizing a specialized rear toe, while foraging for insects and seeds in bark crevices. They are also common visitors to seed and suet feeders, making them a species that even casual birders can learn to identify. The nasally “yank-yank-yank” call is another distinctive aspect, making them also easily recognized by sound.  

It is likely for these reasons that it was chosen as one of the target birds for National Audubon’s Climate Watch community science program. Created in 2016, Climate Watch aims to track certain species’ populations across the US to see how they are responding to changes in resource availability due to climate change. National’s Survival by Degrees report found that over 64% of North American birds are at risk of extinction due to climate change, with most species expected to be forced to relocate their home ranges for more favorable conditions. Birds Connect Seattle has been a participant in Climate Watch since 2017, with surveys occurring across 15 different parks from Shoreline to Renton. 

While National Audubon’s climate report predicts up to 66% of summer range will be lost for the Red-breasted Nuthatch across North America, the data from the Neighborhood Bird Project report shows an optimistic trend here in Seattle. Analysis of 20 years of bird count data collected by community scientists at urban parks across the city of Seattle found that populations of Red-breasted Nuthatch have increased at all survey locations, with a cumulative increase of about 41% across the six different survey areas.  

While it’s important to celebrate the resilience of the Red-breasted Nuthatch, we cannot let it slow our work to preserve urban forests and tree canopy in Seattle. Many other tree-dependent birds in our area, like the Golden-crowned Kinglet and Band-tailed Pigeon, are in decline, and tree protection policies still need improvement. Learn more about our Urban Forest Protection work and how you can help. 

We are also currently recruiting volunteers for the spring Climate Watch count window, which takes place from May 15 – June 15. The program is designed for birders of all ages and abilities to participate. Learn more about Climate Watch and sign up here.