Brown Headed Nuthatch Photo by Christy Cox
Brown-headed Nuthatch Conservation
The Brown-headed Nuthatch is a non-migratory species identified as declining in Georgia by authorities including the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and National Audubon Society. Their preferred habitat of pine woodlands has been disappearing due to urbanization and deforestation. The Audubon Climate Report further adds that the Brown-headed Nuthatch’s current preferred breeding habitat will essentially disappear under current climate trajectories. Georgia Audubon has joined with Audubon North Carolina in bringing the Brown-headed Nuthatch's plight to light and to help this common, yet declining, species regain nesting opportunities in its native range.
No more Nuthatches? Not in my backyard!
Brown-headed Nuthatch by Dan Vickers
The 2015 Program, 90 Nest Boxes for Nuthatches, conducted by the Georgia Audubon Council and funded by a grant from National Audubon Society placed 90 nestboxes around the state. In 2016, Georgia Audubon launched the No More Nuthatches? Not in my Backyard Program to expand on the 2015 program. To date, more than 450 nest boxes have been installed around the state. Georgia Audubon has forged a relationship with a local craftsman, George Burkett, who builds the boxes for us to sell to the public. We plan to continue placing boxes around Georgia to provide much-needed habitat for this iconic southern bird.
How Can You Help?
1. Order a nest box through Georgia Audubon - Georgia Audubon sells Brown-headed Nuthatch boxes in our online store. Click HERE to go to the store. The boxes are made of repurposed wood and have an easy-to-open front panel to make it easy to monitor and clean your next box. Boxes are $35 each plus tax. Boxes may be picked up at the Georgia Audubon office on Roswell Road or the box can be shipped to your home for an additional $10.
2. Your local Bird Watchers Supply Company and Wild Birds Unlimited (WBU) stores also carry nesting boxes with the smaller 1’’ opening or 1” excluders that can be affixed to nesting boxes with larger openings. The Garden Enthusiast, in Tucker, also carries nest boxes, excluders, and portal protectors.
3. If you prefer a DIY solution, click here to download a set of Brown-headed Nuthatch box plans.
4. Install your nest box - Click here for some useful information on installing and caring for your nest box.
5. Register your nest box - Register your box with NestWatch and monitor the activity throughout the year. This is key to understanding how successful the nest boxes are in supporting the birds.
Click here for our printable information sheet with facts and all you need to know to create a home for the Brown-headed Nuthatch.
How Can You Help?
1. Order a nest box through Georgia Audubon - Georgia Audubon sells Brown-headed Nuthatch boxes in our online store. Click HERE to go to the store. The boxes are made of repurposed wood and have an easy-to-open front panel to make it easy to monitor and clean your next box. Boxes are $35 each plus tax. Boxes may be picked up at the Georgia Audubon office on Roswell Road or the box can be shipped to your home for an additional $10.
2. Your local Bird Watchers Supply Company and Wild Birds Unlimited (WBU) stores also carry nesting boxes with the smaller 1’’ opening or 1” excluders that can be affixed to nesting boxes with larger openings. The Garden Enthusiast, in Tucker, also carries nest boxes, excluders, and portal protectors.
3. If you prefer a DIY solution, click here to download a set of Brown-headed Nuthatch box plans.
4. Install your nest box - Click here for some useful information on installing and caring for your nest box.
5. Register your nest box - Register your box with NestWatch and monitor the activity throughout the year. This is key to understanding how successful the nest boxes are in supporting the birds.
Click here for our printable information sheet with facts and all you need to know to create a home for the Brown-headed Nuthatch.
