USGS Home
Contact USGS
Search USGS

Platte River Status: A rare and local permanent resident primarily in the eastern third of the study area. Tout (1947) found white-breasted nuthatch in Lincoln County only as an irregular migrant and winter resident, present there during 16 October to 13 April. Rosche (1979) reported white-breasted nuthatch in the lower North Platte River Valley three times between 15 October and 17 February.

Breeding Range: Apparently restricted exclusively to the Platte River Valley and Eastern Plain physiographic regions during the nesting season.

Breeding Population: The population was estimated at 30 nesting pairs during 1979-1980. Because of the secretive habits and spotty distribution of this species, we believe that we have significantly underestimated the population size.

Habitat: We found a mean density of 0.5 pairs per km² in mature lowland forest. Largest nesting densities on a northeastern North Dakota study area were in mature quaking aspen forest and in lowland forest (Faanes and Andrew 1983). Anderson and Shugart (1974) described white-breasted nuthatch nesting habitat in east Tennessee as deciduous forest with sparse understory development.

Effect of Habitat Alteration: We believe that because of this species very small population within the study area, habitat alteration has produced no measureable impact.

Nesting Data: We have no confirmed records of nests or young from the study area, although Johnsgard (1980) reported breeding in Hall County. Kansas egg dates are from March and April (Johnsgard 1979).