nuthatch

noun

nut·​hatch ˈnət-ˌhach 

: any of various small tree-climbing chiefly insectivorous birds (family Sittidae and especially genus Sitta) that have a compact body, a narrow bill, a short tail, and sometimes a black cap

Illustration of nuthatch

Examples of nuthatch in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The downy also clings upside down on tree branches, reminding me of a nuthatch or chickadee. —Sheryl De Vore, Chicago Tribune, 21 Jan. 2025

While gopher tortoises can be encountered in abundance during a visit to the park, guests can also marvel at its longleaf pine forests, with bird species like the downy woodpecker and red-breasted nuthatch found flitting from tree to tree. —Jared Ranahan, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025

Chickadees, nuthatches, and others are able to locate and eat dormant and larval insects by carefully inspecting crevices and cracks in tree bark. —Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 15 Dec. 2024

Chickadees, nuthatches, and other songbirds love Virginia creeper berries, and these vines are also host plants for several types of sphinx moths. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English notehache, from note nut + -hache; akin to Old English tohaccian to hack — more at hack

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

nuthatch

noun

nut·​hatch ˈnət-ˌhach 

: any of various small birds that climb trees and eat insects and are noted for their habit of going down tree trunks headfirst