White-breasted Nuthatch

Start with these clues

Watch for a pale-faced bird moving headfirst down trunks.

Relative size

Small

Look around

Trees

Region and season

Widespread where suitable trees occur; generally resident.

Compare carefully

Brown Creeper is more mottled and usually climbs upward.

A photograph shows one individual and one view. Check several features, the date and a regional guide before settling on an identification.

Read the Audubon species account for fuller range, behavior and identification context.