Currently there is not enough scientific data to make a clear judgment on whether one should remove the old nesting material after the breeding season or leave it in the nest box. NatureCraft will provide information as it becomes available. Physical Description Adult male and female White-breasted Nuthatches look similar, with a bluish black back and white chin, throat, breast, and belly. The sides of the belly and the undertail feathers are rust. The male's cap is black, but the female's is dark gray.
Juveniles look similar to adults, but their breast feathers are whiter especially on the breast.
Male and female juveniles can be distinguished by their caps, just like the adults. Whi, whi, whi, whi, whi, whi, or who, who, who, etc. There is also a nasal sounding yank, or tootoo. This species is a year-round resident throughout most of the United States and parts of Canada and Mexico. Nuthatches prefer to nest near open areas and forest edges.