Nuthatch (Red Brested)

The Red-breasted Nuthatch applies pine and spruce resin to the entrance of its nest hole. It may carry the resin in its bill or on pieces of bark that it uses as an applicator. The male puts the resin around the outside of the hole while the female puts it around the inside. The resin helps keep out predators or competitors. The nuthatch avoids the resin by diving directly through the hole.

During nest-building, the Nuthatch is aggressive towards other birds. It will chase away nesting competitors such as the White-breasted Nuthatch, and Downy Woodpecker. A feisty nuthatch will also go after Yellow-rumped Warblers and House Finches. The nuthatch's aggressive tendencies subside after the nest is finished, although it remains aggressive towards potential predators and competitors.

Photographed in the wild, Gravenhurst, ON