Nuthatches: What They Eat & Recommended Feeders in Canada
How to Attract Nuthatches (Quick Guide)
Quick answer: The fastest way to attract nuthatches is to offer black oil sunflower seed, unsalted peanuts, and suet cakes in feeders placed near tree trunks, about 5–7 ft off the ground.
Nuthatches are small, agile birds known for moving head-first down tree trunks. When food is easy to grab and feeders are placed near cover, they become steady visitors throughout the day.
This guide explains what nuthatches eat, the recommended feeders for nuthatches in Canada, and simple placement tips so they return consistently.
What Do Nuthatches Eat?
Nuthatches prefer high-energy foods they can grab quickly and carry away. In most Canadian yards, their diet stays fairly consistent year-round.
- Black oil sunflower seed (the most reliable staple)
- Unsalted peanuts (shelled, chopped, or split)
- Suet cakes (especially valuable in winter)
Tip: Nuthatches often take one piece of food and fly to a nearby tree to eat, rather than staying at the feeder.
Recommended Feeders for Nuthatches
Nuthatches are natural clingers. Feeders that allow vertical movement and quick access work best — especially when placed near trunks or posts.
- Suet cage feeders mounted near trees or sturdy posts
- Peanut feeders with wire mesh or coil designs for grip
- Tube feeders positioned close to cover (trees or shrubs)
Suet feeder option:
Feeder option with squirrel protection: a protected peanut feeder that keeps food available when squirrels are active.
- Brome Squirrel Buster Peanut Feeder (1053) — supports vertical clinging and reduces peanut loss to squirrels
Using Suet for Nuthatches in Winter
Suet is one of the most effective foods for nuthatches, especially during cold Canadian winters. In most regions, suet becomes most useful from December through March.
- Provides concentrated energy with minimal feeding time
- Keeps birds returning repeatedly throughout the day
- Works best when placed near trunks (their natural movement pattern)
Where to Place Feeders for Nuthatches
Placement matters more than feeder size for nuthatches. They return fastest when the setup feels safe, close to cover, and easy to approach from trees.
- Mount feeders about 5–7 ft off the ground
- Place feeders near mature trees or sturdy shrubs
- Keep the area quiet and consistent
Nuthatches usually approach feeders from nearby trees rather than flying straight in.
Nuthatch Behaviour at Feeders
Nuthatches are quick, efficient feeders. They often visit repeatedly throughout the day, especially when food is easy to access.
Regular visits usually mean your feeder location has become part of their daily routine.
What Is Unique About Nuthatches?
Nuthatches are one of the few backyard birds that regularly move head-first down tree trunks. This allows them to search bark crevices for insects and wedge food into bark before eating.
Because of this behaviour, feeders placed near trees tend to attract more consistent nuthatch visits.
Where Do Nuthatches Go in the Winter?
Most nuthatch species found in Canada remain year-round rather than migrating. In winter, they rely more heavily on feeders when natural insects are scarce.
Consistent food sources — especially sunflower seed, peanuts, and suet — help keep nuthatches returning daily through colder months.
Male vs Female Nuthatches
Male and female nuthatches look very similar at feeders. Males may show slightly stronger contrast in colouring, but both sexes feed the same way and use the same feeder types.
Shop the Nuthatch Basics
Simple, reliable setup: