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submitted 3 days ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

While walking outside I saw a white-breasted nuthatch doing an interesting behavior I’d never seen before: it was perched on the palm tree in the photo, and was repeatedly spreading its wings wide and swaying from side to side, almost snakelike:

When I got home I checked a reference guide, which mentioned this is a behavior that white-breasted nuthatches will do to deter nest predators. I couldn’t figure out exactly why it was doing it when I was there in person, because I didn’t see any snakes or other birds. But I did see a clue in the OP photo, and my reference even specifically mentioned this animal as a nest predator of nuthatches.

So, did everyone else see it immediately and I’m just slow? 😁

Click for the answerA squirrel tail is visible peeking out from between two fronds at the top of the picture. Squirrels will eat eggs and nestlings!

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this post was submitted on 02 Jun 2025
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Bird-Watching and Ornithology

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