The Red-breasted Nuthatch is a winter visitor that is irruptive. It can be very common in some years and absent in others. When present it may show up as early as September and may stay until late April. It can easily be seen at the Forest feeders both at Neale Woods and the Fontenelle Forest Nature Center.

The Red-breasted Nuthatch feeds by crawling head down along tree trunks and branches often hanging upside down while probing for insects. It will also use crevices to hold large seeds and nuts while it opens them with its bill. It was formerly known as the Canada Nuthatch or Red-bellied Nuthatch. It has a preference for coniferous trees. It will often join mixed species flocks and will visit feeders, especially for peanuts. The irruptive movements appear to be primarily driven by a shortage of winter food on the breeding grounds. The call is a weak nasal “ink, ink”.