nuthatch

noun

nut·​hatch ˈnət-ˌhach 

: any of various small tree-climbing chiefly insectivorous birds (family Sittidae and especially genus Sitta) that have a compact body, a narrow bill, a short tail, and sometimes a black cap

Illustration of nuthatch

Examples of nuthatch in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The organization’s extensive landscape provides habitat for various resident and migratory birds–woodpeckers, waxwings, nuthatches, warblers, buntings, and tanagers, to name just a few. —Jamie Siebrase, Denver Post, 22 May 2025

This seed is a favorite of cardinals, finches, nuthatches, and many more. —Abby Fribush, Southern Living, 27 Mar. 2025

The downy also clings upside down on tree branches, reminding me of a nuthatch or chickadee. —Sheryl De Vore, Chicago Tribune, 21 Jan. 2025

While gopher tortoises can be encountered in abundance during a visit to the park, guests can also marvel at its longleaf pine forests, with bird species like the downy woodpecker and red-breasted nuthatch found flitting from tree to tree. —Jared Ranahan, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English notehache, from note nut + -hache; akin to Old English tohaccian to hack — more at hack

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for nuthatch

• attach
• bycatch
• despatch
• detach
• dispatch
• mismatch
• potlatch
• toothache
• bache
• batch
• brach
• catch

Kids Definition

nuthatch

noun

nut·​hatch ˈnət-ˌhach 

: any of various small birds that climb trees and eat insects and are noted for their habit of going down tree trunks headfirst