White Breasted Nuthatch and Downy Woodpecker Feeding Techniques

Video: White Breasted Nuthatch and Downy Woodpecker Feeding Techniques

White Breasted Nuthatch and Downy Woodpecker Feeding Techniques
Video: White Breasted Nuthatch and Downy Woodpecker Feeding Techniques

White Breasted Nuthatch and Downy Woodpecker Feeding Techniques

Nice example of the foraging differences between Downy Woodpeckers and White Breasted Nuthatches filmed at the same time. The Downy Woodpecker works the heavily barked Black Cherry Tree head-up using its stiff tail for a brace. The White Breasted Nuthatch works the bark head-down relying not on its tail for support - (obviously as it is upside down) - but rather its strong grip on the bark. The Nuthatch has a different perspective and easier access to bugs that the woodpecker might miss. In this case I have smeared suet into the deep bark and the Nuthatch then proceeds to land on the camera and wipe its greasy beak on it. Two great birds often seen together in hardwood forest.

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