Nuthatch

The Nuthatch (Sitta europa) is easily recognised by its ability to walk up and down vertical tree trunks - this differs from the Treecreeper (Certhia familiaris) which can only walk upwards and has to fly down to the base of a tree. A very attractive bird, it has a soft blue covering to its back and wings with the underside a peachy colour. The song is a clear whistle and a sharp trill which is metallic in nature. This photo was taken at Hampstead Heath, in north London...

It is found amongst woodland and feeds on insects and their larvae, nuts, seeds and berries. Its nest is usually located in a tree trunk the entrance hole sometimes being partially filled with mud to reduce its diameter. This accounts for its alternative name, the 'mudstopper'. The eggs are usually laid from April to June and are a rough white colour with heavy reddish brown spotting and number between four and ten.