Eurasian nuthatch

Sitta europaea

About

The Eurasian nuthatch is a small but very noticeable bird of old forests. In Ukraine, it is resident or nomadic and is found in Polissia, in the Forest-Steppe, and in the Carpathians — most often in old deciduous and mixed forests where there are plenty of hollow trees, as well as in old parks.

The bird is about 14 cm long and weighs 19–24 g, with a large head, short tail, and strong sharp beak. Its back is blue-grey, the underside is ochre, and a black stripe stretches across its eye like a mask. The most distinctive feature is its behavior: the Eurasian nuthatch nimbly climbs up, down, and sideways on trunks, boldly descending headfirst, which neither woodpeckers nor treecreepers can do.

The Eurasian nuthatch is very vocal. It often gives a loud sharp call of "tvit", usually repeated twice, and when alarmed, a piercing "sirrr". Its song is a slow whistle of "pee-pee-pee" in many variations. In spring, these sounds resonate through the forest even before the leaves unfold.

The Eurasian nuthatch nests in tree holes and crevices at heights of 2–20 m, often in old woodpecker holes. If the entrance is too large, the female narrows it by plastering it with clay and mud, and often also muds the inside of the hole. The bottom of the hole is lined with pieces of pine bark or small chips. The female incubates the eggs for 13–18 days, and the chicks fledge after another 20–26 days. The Eurasian nuthatch is not listed in the Red Book of Ukraine.

Where in the Carpathians

fewermore19 764 records in the Carpathians

The map shows where naturalists recorded the species (GBIF, CC0 and CC BY records), not every place it lives. The Ukrainian Carpathians are less studied, so a blank area does not mean the species is absent.

Countries: Slovakia · Czechia · Poland · Hungary · Romania · Ukraine · Austria · Serbia · BG
Mountain ranges: Börzsöny and Cserhát, Moravian-Silesian Beskids, Bükk, Skole Beskids, Bucegi Mountains, Volovec Mountains, Slovak Ore Mountains, Little Carpathians, Silesian Beskids, Bieszczady
Altitude belts: Foothills (below 600 m) · Beech forests (600–1200 m)

When to see it

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Sightings

From naturalists’ observations in the Carpathians (iNaturalist, research grade): the darker the cell, the more often the species is seen that month.

Protection and rules

Not listed in the Red Book of Ukraine.

Red Data Book of Ukraine

FAQ

What bird runs down the trunk headfirst?

This is the Eurasian nuthatch — a blue-grey bird with a black stripe across its eye. It is the only bird in our forests that can descend headfirst so nimbly.

Why does the Eurasian nuthatch plaster its hole with clay?

To narrow a too-large entrance: this way, larger birds and predators cannot squeeze into the hole.

Similar species

In season nowGreat spotted woodpeckerDendrocopos majorA black-and-white woodpecker with a red undertail. In spring, its drumming is the loudest sound in the forest.

Coal titPeriparus aterThe smallest tit of our forests: a black cap with a white spot on the nape. A resident of spruce and fir forests.

In season nowWallcreeperTichodroma murariaA gray wallcreeper with bright red wings, like a butterfly on a rock. In the Ukrainian Carpathians, it is a great rarity.

Where to meet it

Trails and peaks near which naturalists recorded the species (GBIF, iNaturalist), matched by altitude and habitat. Sightings are not guaranteed.

Sources

GBIF · iNaturalist · Wikidata · Distribution data: GBIF.org (CC0 and CC BY records), iNaturalist; names and identifiers: Wikidata (CC0). Text: Karpaty.rocks, checked 09.11.2026.