Nuthatch - Sitta europaea

About the size of a Robin, this bird resembles a small woodpecker, particularly as it is mainly seen on tree trunks. It has a grey back, chestnut sides and a black eye-stripe.

Mature woodland and parkland with large trees

All year round

It searches tree trunks and branches for insects and also eats seeds and nuts, typically working its way down the trunk. Nuthatches breed over most of England and Wales, using tree holes which they line with grass or bark.

Widespread and common in England and Wales, but few records from Scotland

A resident of Leicestershire and Rutland and frequently seen.