Illustration of nuthatch
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
Examples of nuthatch in a Sentence
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In Southeastern states, house wrens and sparrows, eastern bluebirds, tree swallows, Carolina chickadees, tufted titmice, Carolina wrens, and white-breasted nuthatches use birdhouses.
—
Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 28 Feb. 2026
Cavity nesting birds, such as bluebirds, chickadees, flycatchers, nuthatches, trogons, and wrens as well as some duck species, use birdhouses or nest boxes.
—Lauren David, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Feb. 2026
This relationship been also reported for Eurasian nuthatches, Sitta europaea, another songbird with orange plumage, according to a 2018 study (ref), but in this species, females show a surprising preference for as little orange plumage coloring as possible when making their mate choices.
—Grrlscientist, Forbes.com, 16 Jan. 2026
Within a few years, I could be heard to note that the nuthatches were running late this season, or that the chickadees renewed their lease on the south nesting box.
—Murr Brewster, Christian Science Monitor, 16 Aug. 2025
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Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 28 Feb. 2026
Cavity nesting birds, such as bluebirds, chickadees, flycatchers, nuthatches, trogons, and wrens as well as some duck species, use birdhouses or nest boxes.
—Lauren David, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Feb. 2026
This relationship been also reported for Eurasian nuthatches, Sitta europaea, another songbird with orange plumage, according to a 2018 study (ref), but in this species, females show a surprising preference for as little orange plumage coloring as possible when making their mate choices.
—Grrlscientist, Forbes.com, 16 Jan. 2026
Within a few years, I could be heard to note that the nuthatches were running late this season, or that the chickadees renewed their lease on the south nesting box.
—Murr Brewster, Christian Science Monitor, 16 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nuthatch
Cite this Entry
“Nuthatch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nuthatch. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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