Family Sittidae

Nuthatches

4 species from the family Sittidae.

Typical settings for this family#

Shutter (still)1/800 s
Shutter (action)1/2500 s
Aperturef/5.6–f/8
Size10–15 cm

4 species#

White-breasted Nuthatch White-breasted NuthatchSitta carolinensis Red-breasted Nuthatch Red-breasted NuthatchSitta canadensis Pygmy Nuthatch Pygmy NuthatchSitta pygmaea Brown-headed Nuthatch Brown-headed NuthatchSitta pusilla

Field-craft#

  • They work down trunks head-first — try a low angle looking up.
  • Trunk-clinging birds sit in shade: watch your shutter speed and use zone AF to avoid focusing on bark.

Last updated October 03, 2026 · How we calculate · Sources