Nest building
Nuthatches are cavity-nesters, using holes in trees in most of the cases. A minority of them are self-excavated, being most of the nests placed in a pre-existing natural cavity or in another species’ old nest, frequently a woodpecker’s one. As they need a smaller entrance size to minimize predation risk, most of the species do a plastering with mud, reducing the hole to their optimal diameter.
As the rest of the family members, the Eurasian Nuthatch is monogamous and territorial, laying the eggs from april to may. Females choose the final breeding hole and do the plastering, which can last from 2 to 4 weeks, rarely assisted by the male. The clutch usually consists of 5-9 eggs, incubated by female during 13-18 days. Chicks are fed by both parents and nesting period lasts from 20 to 26 days, being independent after around 10 days. Juveniles carry out short dispersive movements, establishing their territory not far from where they were hatched.
del Hoyo, J., Elliot, A. & Christie, D.A. eds (2008). Handbook of the Birds of the World. Vol. 13. Penduline-tits to Shrikes. Lynx Edicions, Barcelona. |
