Hi,took this in the New Forest today and have no idea if its male or female.
Pam
http://www.flicker.com/photos/moonraker2012/
Well done Pam and thanks to Maria for the two shots, I'm 99% sure I've got 2 nuthatches in my garden but never see them at the same time, will watch out to see if they maybe male & female now I know what to look for.
Only shot I've managed to get so far doesn't give a great view of the underside:
Just rejoined the RSPB very happy to do so.
Thanks Gavin and hope you get to see them at the same time. Good luck
I am glad you asked this question countrygirl as I've been puzzling for a long time over whether you can tell the difference between a male and female nuthatch.
We have had a pair in our garden for a couple of years now, but unfortunately they rarely appear at the same time although one is easily distinguished from the other, so much so that I have given them names. One I call "Sleek" as it has smooth feathers; the other one I call "Tatty Bonce" as it has a more ruffled appearance (I love them both equally by the way!). Below are two photographs (top one Sleek, and bottom one Tatty Bonce).
If they are different sexes I have no idea which is which, and I would certainly be interested in any opinions or theories.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/all_things_nautical/
I didn't know you could tell the sexes apart, so I found this thread really interesting! Thanks to all.
We have a regular nuthatch nest around the corner - must see if I can spot the difference this year. They're already active round the nest hole.
:-)
Seriously thinking about trying harder!
Separating Nuthatches is done on the flank/rump colour vs the body colour. You nned a difference for it to be a male, and a contrast. Females tend to 'blend' from the richer flanks to the underside.
That's what I thought! I was told you have to do it on contrast between the underwing and the body colour. Will have to check Svensson
Home again, home again.
Check it: http://sarahwestsblog.blogspot.co.uk/