Pygmy Nuthatch – At a feederSitta pygmaea September – Colorado L=4.25” ...... WS=7.75” ...... WT=0.4 oz Order: Passeriformes (Passerine Birds) Family: Sittadae (Nuthatches) Nuthatches acquired their name due to their habit of placing a nut or other hard food item in a bark crevice and hammering it until it opens thus “hatching the nut”. Hatch is thought to be a corruption of the old English term hack. Pygmy Nuthatches roost in tree cavities which are picked for insulation and ventilation according to the season. Additionally, they are capable of controlled hypothermia and will have communal roosting to retain heat during cold periods.
Sharp-shinned Hawk – Looking for PreyAccipiter striatus December – Texas L=11” ...... WS=23” ...... WT= 5 oz Order: Falconiformes (Diurnal Birds of prey) Family: Accipitridae (Hawks and Allies) Sharp-shinned Hawks are the smallest accipiter in North America. The “sharpie” is a jay-sized bird that inhabits deciduous forests and urban areas and feeds mostly on small birds. These birds are often reviled by people with birdfeeders as they will perch near birdfeeders and snatch visiting birds. Sharp-shinned Hawks do not dive from above when attacking prey, rather, they rely on surprise and attack from a perch. The prey may be perched or flying when attacked. When the Sharp-shinned Hawk attacks it will burst at the last second from its perch and fly through small limbs and foliage as part of the chase. In general, these birds are secretive and quickly flee from danger or disturbances.
Tufted Titmouse – ForagingBaeolophus bicolor September – Texas L=6.5” ...... WS=9.75” ...... WT=0.75 oz Order: Passeriformes (Passerine Birds) Family: Paridae (Chickadees and Titmice) Tufted Titmice are active, noisy birds common in the Eastern U.S. that are expanding their range northward. This small bird constantly hops and flies between branches as it forages and forages on the ground more frequently than other titmice or chickadees.
