Eurasian nuthatch
Sitta europaea
Habitat
In Europe, the Eurasian nuthatch is found in temperate parts. This bird species inhabits mature forests of older deciduous forests, mature mixed forests, parks and old orchards.

Appearance


Diet
The Eurasian nuthatch is an omnivore. This means that this bird species eats both plant and animal material.


Breeding
The breeding season usually takes place in April and May.
The Eurasian Nuthatch adopts a monogamous mating system. At the beginning of the breeding season, the male sings to announce the territory and to attract a potential mate. Next, both sexes will perform “courtship flights”.
The female selects a suitable cavity to make a nest in. The foundation of the nest consists of wood chips and bark flakes. The female uses mud, dung, roots and moss to make the nest opening to the exact size of her body.
The female lays 4 to 13 eggs and incubates them in 13 to 18 days. The parents feed the chicks in the nest for 19 to 29 days. After fledging (8 – 14 days), the young are largely independent.



Short-toed treecreeper
Certhia brachdactyla
Habitat
The Short-toed treecreeper is found in large parts of Europe, with the exception of the United Kingdom, Ireland, Fenno-Scandinavia, the Baltic States and Russia. Its habitat includes (edges of) mixed forests, deciduous forests, well-wooded farmland and suburban areas.



Appearance


Diet
The Short-toed treecreeper eats invertebrates and seeds.


Breeding
The breeding season begins in April and lasts until mid-June. The Short-toed treecreeper lives in polygamy and simultaneous bigamy.
The male starts by making 2 to 3 nest bottoms. The female chooses a nest bottom and proceeds to build the nest. The nest consists of twigs, needles, grass, bark, plant fibers and paper. The inside of the nest is lined with feathers, hair, down, roots and moss. The nest is located between loose pieces of bark, in a narrow tree cavity or in a crevice of a tree trunk.
The female lays 4 to 9 eggs. She incubates these in 13 to 15 days. The chicks remain in the nest for 15 to 18 days and are fed by both parents. When the female feeds the chicks, the male will start making 2 to 3 new nest bottoms. From day 10 to 12, the male takes care of the young so the female can start building the 2nd nest. Thus, this means that the Short-toed treecreeper is double-breeding.



How can you help the Eurasian nuthatch and Short-toed treecreeper?
For the Eurasian nuthatch and Short-toed treecreeper, you can hang a species-specific nesting box in the garden. It is best to place the nest box in an old tree surrounded by other trees, at a minimum height of 2 m. The full sun should not shine on the nest box all day because of overheating. The nesting box contains a side opening, allowing both bird species to enter the nesting box directly through the tree trunk. The entrance opening should not face south or west because of precipitation.
During the winter, you can hang fat balls, peanuts and other bird food or place them on the feeding table for the Eurasian nuthatch. You can help the Eurasian nuthatch by scattering some seeds under bushes or trees.