CRITTERS OF NORTH IDAHO: The Pygmy Nuthatch
Fire, drought and illegal loggers are well-known factors for depleting nature of its trees, especially those of Ponderosa pine and other types of pine trees. However, insects can cause a problem for pine trees too.
Nature needs ants, aphids, beetles and caterpillars as much as it needs rain, sunshine or fresh air, but too many of these insects (pine beetles especially) can decimate pine tree populations, even passing deadly diseases to them.
Thankfully, nature was designed with its very own team of feathery pest controllers. One of these creatures is a type of songbird we call the pygmy nuthatch (Sitta pygmaea).
Four inches long and 10 grams in weight, the pygmy nuthatch can be found in the pine forests (especially those dominated by Ponderosa pines) of southern British Columbia, through various discontinuous parts of the western United States and into central Mexico.
Like many other species of songbirds, this little guy has a long beak, short legs and broad wings.
What distinguishes all nuthatches, including pygmy nuthatch, from other species of songbirds is their ability to make short, jerky hops not only up a tree trunk or branch, but also down them and sideways, even descending a tree head first if the need arises!
The pygmy nuthatch is able to do all of this thanks to the four strong toes on its feet; each toe is tipped with sharp claws designed for gripping onto tree bark.
During the daylight hours, pygmy nuthatches are always on the lookout for their next meal to fuel their active, warm-blooded metabolism. This is a great thing for the trees, as it keeps insect populations in check and keeps those nasty diseases at bay. The nuthatches on the other hand feed on the tasty insects and spiders that are attracted to the pine trees themselves, as well as their eggs and larva.
Nuthatches search up and down the pine trees as they forage for food, even extracting them from underneath the tree bark. Their unusually long beaks are especially useful for prying open pine needle clusters on the branches to reach insects and seeds that might be hiding inside. Insects aren’t so plentiful in the winter, so the pygmy nuthatch prioritizes seeds over insects instead.
A songbird isn’t a songbird without a song, and the pygmy nuthatch isn’t one to disappoint. They have a wide range of calls and songs, including a “danger call” to let other pygmy nuthatches know when a predator lurks nearby. They’re known to sing together as a “choir” when flying as a group, and when patrolling a pine tree for food they make frequent, short squeaking calls: “kip-kipkip!”
The pygmy nuthatch is a highly social bird, often feeding with members of its own species or other species of songbirds. They like to forage in groups of five to 15, and up to 100 birds may even pile into tree cavities to roost on those long, cold, winter nights.
When a male and female pygmy nuthatch pair off to nest and raise the young together, they usually recruit as many as three additional helpers to provide chicks with a steady supply of grub. The near-frequent trips to and from the nest don’t last long however, as the pygmy nuthatches are ready to leave the nest a mere 20-21 days after they hatch.
The pygmy nuthatch is a commonly sighted species at backyard feeders. To increase your chance of seeing one, be sure to have a visible bird feeder handy and keep it filled with a variety of seeds and nuts. Who knows? One of nature’s pest controllers just might stop by for a quick snack!
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Contact Christian Ryan at animaladventures1314@gmail.com
HOMESCHOOL PROJECT
REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE
DIY RECYCLABLE BIRD FEEDER
As the weather gets colder the birds need a little more energy from food to keep them warm. We can help the local wildlife by giving them a little extra food and in return we get to enjoy watching them.
We throw so much stuff away every day. Why not recycle it? Let’s recycle some toilet tissue rolls and use them to make the bird feeders.
Below are the materials that are needed.
MATERIALS:
Toilet Tissue Rolls
Peanut Butter
Bird Seeds
Container
String
Knife
Scissors
Peanut butter is high in calories, which can give the birds a quick burst of energy.
If you do not have “bird seeds” you can use raw sunflower seeds, millet or raw peanuts, crushed. NO peanuts in the shell, nor roasted or salted peanuts.
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Pour bird seeds in the container and set aside.
2. Spread the peanut butter all over the toilet tissue rolls. The peanut butter acts like glue.
3. Roll the toilet tissue rolls in the bird seeds.
4. Cut a piece of string, thread it through the toilet tissue rolls and tie it in a knot.
Now your toilet tissue roll bird feeder is ready to hang on the branch of a tree, fence or a balcony.
Project provided by Angel Dominiq
angeldominiq13@gmail.com