White-Breasted Nuthatch

White-breasted Nuthatch, watercolor batik

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

The largest nuthatch, so named for the habit of jamming an acorn into a tree and then whacking it with its bill to “hatch” out the nut.  A frequent visitor to my feeder.  I enjoy the soft peep or yink call in the oak trees above my head that signals to me they are nearby foraging for food.  A visitor to my art display pointed out this is one of the few birds that will go down a tree head first.