Nuthatches prefer to inhabit large, old trees in deciduous and mixed deciduous-coniferous forests. The white-breast nuthatch commonly does not nest in nesting boxes. They usually nest in open areas and along forest edges. Nesting White-breasted nuthatches are monogamous. They remain close together throughout the year.
Courtship begins in late winter.
To reestablish closeness, the male will sing to the female from a perch in a tree. Usually the female will fly to him quickly and the pair go off and feed together. The female will build the nest in an existing tree cavity. Little is know about nest building because researchers have difficulties examining the nests in old, large trees. Eggs are laid on consecutive days until the clutch is complete.