Eurasian Nuthatch (Sitta europaea) is a small passerine bird found throughout the Palearctic and in Europe. Like other nuthatches, it has a short tail, long bill, blue-gray upperparts and a distinctive black eye-stripe.

This bird is known for its unique ability to climb down trees headfirst, a behavior not seen in any other European bird species. It prefers mature deciduous or mixed woodland with large, old trees, particularly oak forests.

The Eurasian nuthatch is monogamous and territorial, with pairs holding permanent territories. They nest in tree holes, usually old woodpecker nests, and will plaster the entrance with mud to reduce its size if needed.

Their diet consists mainly of insects, particularly caterpillars and beetles, supplemented with nuts and seeds in autumn and winter. They are inveterate hoarders, storing food year-round.

With a large population and huge breeding area, the species is classified by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as being of least concern.

Key Facts:

• Scientific name: Sitta europaea
• Length: 12–17 cm
• Weight: 15.5–28 g
• Wingspan: 22.5–27 cm
• Habitat: Mature deciduous or mixed woodland with large, old trees
• Distribution: Temperate Eurasia, from Great Britain to Japan
• Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN)

Unique Behaviors:

• Only bird in Europe that can climb down trees headfirst
• Plasters nest hole entrances with mud to reduce size
• Stores food year-round, retrieving it in winter
• Vocal bird with a loud "dwip" call

Norwegian Population:

In Norway, the Eurasian nuthatch (spettmeis) is found in southern Norway up to Nord-Trøndelag, primarily in deciduous forests with large, old trees. The population is estimated at 128,000–290,000 breeding pairs and is likely increasing.