Wheatear Vs Nuthatch: Key Differences Explained

Wheatears and nuthatches are both relatively small birds and both of their diets are based around insects. The adult males of both species have a black mask or stripe that runs through their eyes and they can both have an orange breast.

However, in many ways that’s where the similarities end. Nuthatches are members of the Sittidae family whilst wheatears are members of the Muscicapidae family. To find out more about these fascinating bird species, keep reading.

Key Takeaways

• The most distinctive identifying feature of a wheatear is their white rump with a black “T” shape on their tail
• Nuthatches have sharp claws which allow them to run down the trunks of trees
• Wheatears are migrants and passage birds whereas nuthatches are all year residents in the UK
• Both nuthatches and wheatears have a black mask or stripe running through their eyes but wheatears have a white supercilium
• Nuthatches prefer woodlands or wooded areas
• Wheatears prefer open upland habitats
• Wheatears build nests in rock crevices wall cavities or rabbit burrows
• Nuthatches nest in holes in trees typically left by woodpeckers

What Is The Difference Between A Wheatear And A Nuthatch?

There are a few similarities between the nuthatch and the wheatear but there are also many differences. Let’s start looking at those differences.

Visual Differences

Nuthatches generally have blue-grey upperparts and lighter underparts. They typically have a black eye stripe and a white or pale face. The bill of the nuthatch is short, straight and pointed and they have long sharp claws that allow them to securely walk along tree trunks and branches and climb down trees head first.

Wheatears have black cheeks white superciliums and grey crowns. They have a blue-grey back, black wings and a pale orange breast. However their most striking feature is their white rump with a distinctive black “T” shape on their tail.

Differences In Habitat

Nuthatches are residents throughout England and Wales and have recently started to dwell in some areas of southern Scotland. They prefer woodlands or wooded areas and are sometimes found in urban and suburban areas.

Nuthatches feed mainly on insects, seeds, nuts and acorns which they often store in bark crevices.

Wheatears are migratory or passage birds who arrive in the UK around mid March and start to leave towards the end of September or October. They prefer open upland habitats in Scotland, north and south west England as well as in Wales. You can often spot wheatears along the coast during their migratory period.

Wheatears feed mainly on insects which they catch whilst on the ground.

Nests & Eggs

Wheatears build their nests in rock crevices, gaps in walls, rabbit burrows and other similar sheltered or hidden locations. The nest is constructed from twigs, grass, moss, and other plant materials found locally. The nest is then lined with softer materials like feathers, wool or fur.

Nuthatches prefer to nest in tree cavities and often nest in old, disused woodpecker holes. Occasionally nuthatches will use a nest box and they will make the hole smaller using mud and dead leaves to prevent predators from entering. The nest is lined with grass, pine needles and then covered with softer materials like lichen, fur and feathers.

Wheatears will lay a clutch of anywhere between 2 to 8 eggs with 5 to 6 being the average clutch size. The eggs are oval shaped and a pale blue colour with reddish-brown marks at the larger end. They are around 21 x 16 mm in size and weigh around 2.7 grams.

They are incubated for around 12 to 15 days and the chicks fledge the nest around 15 to 16 days after hatching.

Nuthatches will lay a clutch of around 6 to 8 smooth, glossy white eggs which have reddish-brown spots on them. The eggs are around 20 x 15 mm in size and weigh around 2.2 grams. 

They are incubated for around 16 to 17 days and the chicks fledge the nest around 25 days after hatching.

Bird Calls

The call of the nuthatch is described as being a series of trills and whistles. They are extremely vocal birds and use a variety of loud and simple songs to mark their territory and communicate with other nuthatches.

The call of the wheatear is far less elaborate than that of the nuthatch and has been described as a series of soft, melodious chirps. They tend to be far more vocal during the breeding season.

Size & Weight

Nuthatches and wheatears are similarly sized birds with only slight differences in size, weight and wingspan. 

Wheatears are around 14.5 to 15.5 cm in length with a wingspan of around 26 to 32 cm. They typically weigh around 17 to 30 grams.

Nuthatches are around 14 cm in length with a wingspan of around 22.5 to 27 cm. The typical weight of a nuthatch is around 20 to 25 grams.

As you can see, relying on the size and weight of these two species is not an accurate way to differentiate between them. You will be far better off comparing their colouration and markings when trying to make an accurate identification.

SEE ALSO: Yellow-Browed Warbler Vs Wood Sandpiper

Frequently Asked Questions