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

Suet is good for attracting birds that love insects, such as woodpeckers, chickadees, and nuthatches. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 18 Dec. 2025

This bird feeder has six ports so multiple small birds (like sparrows, goldfinches, and nuthatches) can enjoy having a snack at the same time. —Brandi Fuller, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Oct. 2025

Bird feeders and birdbaths can draw the attention of songbirds, such as blackbirds, chickadees and those crazy nuthatches. —Clarence Schmidt, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 July 2025

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

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