Red-breasted Nuthatch Sitta canadensis Linnaeus       Field Guide IDs: NG-332; G-234; PE-212; PW-pl 45; AE-pl 353; AW-pl 386; AM(II)-336 Nest Location Nest Type Eggs & Mating System Dev. & Parental Care Primary & 2ndary Diet.. Foraging Strategy F I: 12 DAYS ALTRICIAL 5-40 feet (To 120 feet) F-M 5-6 (4-7) MONOG F: 14-21 DAYS MF HAWKS BREEDING: Coniferous (esp) and mixed deciduous-coniferous forest, aspen woodland, prefers mature stands with decaying large trees. ? broods. DISPLAYS: Courtship: male with head and tail raised, wings drooped, back feathers fluffed, sways from side to side with back turned to female and often sings. Courtship feeding. NEST: In cavity excavated in rotten branch or stump, ccc in deserted woodpecker hole; bed of soft bark shreds, grass, roots. EGGS: White to pinkish-white, marked with reddish-brown. 0.6" (15 mm). DIET: In winter, takes many conifer seeds. Young may be fed 100% animal food. CONSERVATION: Winters in breeding range except in n and at higher elevations; some move s to n Baja. Breeding range in e expanding s. NOTES: Pairs may remain together on feeding territory through winter if food resources are adequate. STANFORD. NOTES: Fairly rare and irregular migrant and winter visitor, usually found foraging in redwoods, pines, and cedars. Abundance increases every few years when irruptions occur. ESSAYS: Birds, DNA, and Evolutionary Convergence; Irruptions; Territoriality; Courtship Feeding. REFERENCES: Killiam, 1973.