Adult

Description

Size:  4.25”

Plumage/Description:  Male and female plumage similar.  Crown and nape a grayish-brown color. Back, wings, tail and flanks are a slaty blue-gray color. Throat white, belly and under-tail coverts are a creamy buffy color.

Habitat:  Residential, Ponderosa/Coniferous

Time of year:  Year-round

Relative Abundance:  Common

Behavior:  A bark and foliage gleaner—particularly fond of Ponderosa Pine trees. Common at backyard feeders in forested habitats.  Common at the higher elevations such as in the Bradshaw Mountains.

Diet:  Insects, seeds, nuts, suet

Similar species:  White-breasted and Red-breasted Nuthatches

Best Sites:  Residential areas such as Ponderosa Park, Timberridge, and Mountain Club.  Also, Granite Basin, Thumb Butte trailhead parking lot, and pretty much anywhere up in the Bradshaw Mountains.