Critters of the Week

Where Spotted: Westover Hills
Common Name: White-Breasted Nuthatch
Scientific Name: Sitta carolinensis
Length: 5.1–5.5 in.
Weight: 0.63–1.06 oz
Wingspan: 7.9–10.6 in

Quick Facts (Courtesy of the Cornell Lab)

• The White-breasted Nuthatch is normally territorial throughout the year, with pairs staying together. The male has to spend more time looking out for predators when he’s alone than while he’s with his mate. That’s the pattern for most birds, and one reason why birds spend so much time in flocks. But the female nuthatch has to put up with the male pushing her aside from foraging sites, so she spends more time looking around (for him) when he’s around than when she is alone.
• In winter, White-breasted Nuthatches join foraging flocks led by chickadees or titmice, perhaps partly because it makes food easier to find and partly because more birds can keep an eye out for predators. One study found that when titmice were removed from a flock, nuthatches were more wary and less willing to visit exposed bird feeders.
• If you see a White-breasted Nuthatch making lots of quick trips to and from your feeder – too many for it to be eating them all – it may be storing the seeds for later in the winter, by wedging them into furrows in the bark of nearby trees.
•  When a bird leaves the nest hole, it wipes around the entrance with a piece of fur or vegetation; this makes it more difficult for a predator to find the nest using its sense of smell. The nuthatch may also smear blister beetles around the entrance to its nest, and it has been suggested that the unpleasant smell from the crushed insects deters squirrels, its chief competitor for natural tree cavities. (Wikipedia)

Sidenote: I’ve been busy this week but I’m still posting birds on Dickie’s Backyard Bird Bonanza on Facebook if you’d like to see more feathered friends. If you like the work we do here at RVAHub show your appreciation by making a donation.

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Hawkins at Richmond SPCA

Hawkins is a handsome boy that is looking for just the right home and environment for him. If you’re interested in learning more about Hawkins please contact the Richmond SPCA adoption center at 804-521-1307 to meet with an adoption counselor and Hawkins.

Age: 5 years, 11 months
Gender: Neutered Male
Color: Tan / White
Size: L (dog size guide)
ID: 42099225

Adopt Hawkins at Richmond SPCA

Learn more about their adoption process.

To reduce visitor traffic, during the COVID-19 outbreak they are scheduling adoption appointments beginning Tuesday, March 17, 2020. Please leave your phone number in a voicemail or email and an adoption counselor will call to set an appointment for you to meet with a pet. Email the adoption center or call 804-521-1307.