Animalia Life
Sitta carolinensis
SUBFAMILY
Sittinae
TAXONOMY
Sitta carolinensis Latham, 1790.
OTHER COMMON NAMES
French: Sittelle а poitrine blanche; German: Carolinakleiber;
Spanish: Saltapalo Blanco.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
5 in (12.7 cm), with a short tail. The back is colored blue-gray,
the crown black, and undersides and throat white.
DISTRIBUTION
Occurs widely in extreme southern Canada, through most of
the United States, and into western Mexico. Does not migrate,
except for northernmost populations that may move somewhat
south.
HABITAT
Occurs in a wide range of mature, deciduous-dominated forest
types.
BEHAVIOR
Occurs as pairs that defend a breeding territory. Typically does
not migrate. Often flocks with chickadees in winter. The song
is a series of nasal notes.
FEEDING ECOLOGY AND DIET
Gleans invertebrates from tree bark and foliage, and also eats
fruits and seeds in winter.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY
Pairs nest in a tree cavity. The female incubates the eggs but
both sexes feed the young.
CONSERVATION STATUS
Not threatened. A widespread and abundant species.
SIGNIFICANCE TO HUMANS
None known.
Photo Gallery of - White-breasted nuthatch
