Jan. 30, 2026: The White-breasted Nuthatch is a compact winter resident in Falmouth, easily recognized by its upside-down descent of tree trunks, allowing it to probe bark crevices for hidden insects other birds often miss.

The White-breasted Nuthatch is a compact, energetic woodland bird with a bold black cap, bright white face and underparts, and soft blue-gray upperparts. On Cape Cod in winter, it is a familiar presence in mature woods, neighborhood yards, and at feeders, often announcing itself with a nasal yank-yank call. Stocky and short-tailed, the nuthatch moves with purpose, rarely sitting still for long as it searches for food.

One of its most distinctive behaviors is its habit of climbing down tree trunks head-first, often appearing completely upside down. This unusual posture is no accident, as it gives the nuthatch a feeding advantage. By moving downward, it can inspect bark crevices from an angle that most other birds miss, uncovering overwintering insects, larvae, and eggs hidden deep in the bark. Strong feet and long, curved claws allow it to grip the bark securely, while its sharp bill acts like a small chisel to pry food loose.

In winter, this behavior becomes especially important, helping White-breasted Nuthatches exploit a food source that remains available even in cold weather. Their upside-down foraging style reduces competition with birds like woodpeckers and chickadees, making the nuthatch a uniquely adapted and endlessly entertaining part of Falmouth’s winter birdlife!