The Brown-headed Nuthatch is a tiny, pine-forest nuthatch of the southeastern US and the Bahamas. It is one of only two North American bird species documented to use a tool — it uses a flake of bark held in its bill to pry up other bark flakes in search of insects. It gives a squeaky, rubber-duck-like 'ynk' call.
Best time to see a Brown-headed Nuthatch
The best time to see a Brown-headed Nuthatch is January–June, when about 64% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 10,128 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Brown-headed Nuthatch? What bird is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Brown-headed Nuthatch sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spot a Brown-headed Nuthatch? Identify it instantly.
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.
Get HuckGet an alert when a Brown-headed Nuthatch is spotted
Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.
Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.
Love birds? Get Huck field notes
Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.