In Washington we have three species in the nuthatch family. Pygmy Nuthatch Sitta pygmaea not surprisingly, is the smallest. Red-breasted Nuthatch Sitta canadensis is the most widespread and easy to find in most areas, and White-breasted Nuthatch is seen mostly in oak or pine forests in Eastern Washington.
White-breasted Nuthatch Sitta carolinensis
Pygmy Nuthatch, though somewhat less common, is easy to find if it's around, as it is very vocal. It has a high pitched pipping call that is easy to recognize. It is also a colonial nester, and is often found in small to medium sized groups. It is also often found at higher elevations, though not exclusively. Pygmy Nuthatches are also almost always found in pine, especially Ponderosa Pine forests.
