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    Everglades

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Brown-Headed Nuthatch: Species Profile

Photograph of Brown-headed Nuthatch

The range of the Brown-headed Nuthatch (Sitta pusilla) is restricted to mature pine forests of the southeastern states, where it is considered a species of concern. Although found almost exclusively in the United States, a small but declining population, considered a subspecies, is also found in the Bahamas. This small, charismatic bird is known for climbing headfirst down tree trunks. Although tool use in birds is rare, this species will hold a small piece of bark in its bill and use it as a lever to pry up bark while searching for insects. It may carry the bark tool from tree to tree and use it to cover a seed cache.

The Brown-headed Nuthatch is one of several cavity-nesting birds that were extirpated from southeastern Florida in the mid-1900s as a result of habitat loss. During 1997–2001, 53 Brown-headed Nuthatches were reintroduced to Long Pine Key in Everglades National Park as part of a test of the progress made toward restoration of the rare pine rockland ecosystem.

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    Brown-headed Nuthatches in Everglades National Park Read More

  • Inventory of Threatened & Endangered Species Inventory of Threatened & Endangered Species

    in South Florida National Parks Read More

  • Birds Species List Birds Species List

    for Everglades National Park Read More

  • The Multi-Species Recovery Plan The Multi-Species Recovery Plan

    for all South Florida listed species is available here Read More

Did You Know?

Did You Know?

Everglades National Park preserves one of the largest stands of pine rockland in the world.  This globally imperiled ecosystem is also considered one of the most biologically diverse areas in South Florida.