Red-Breasted Nuthatches - Male or Female?

A pair of Red Breasted Nuthatches were busy at the feeders today.  I got good long looks at them as they pulled peanuts from the mesh feeder.  It was a chance to really take in the differentiating feature between the male and female - the color of the top of their heads.

Males have a black cap which is in strong contrast to their slate-colored back.  Females have a much lighter cap that at times seems to just merge into the slate color of her back.

White Breasted Nuthatches can also be differentiated in this manner.

I just wish the Red Squirrel would stop looking at me through the window!

 

Comments

[The Zen Birdfeeder]

Peanuts are a great addition to a birdfeeding station. The most frequent peanut eaters at my feeder are the Red-breasted Nuthatches, Tufted Titmice, and Black-capped Chickadees. White-breasted Nuthatches and woodpeckers will also partake.
Blue Jays love peanuts too but have a hard time clinging to the mesh.
Sounds like you have some happy birds in Lake Placid.

[Colleen]

I, too, have a peanut feeder, but it is hanging on my cottage in Lake Placid. I am unfortunately never there in the daylight, so I don't get to see what is eating them. But little by little, the level is dropping, though almost nothing hits the ground. There must be some happy birds around, whoever they are!