The Red-breasted
Nuthatch is easily missed as it creeps along tree limbs like a mouse - a
behaviour one wouldn't expect from a bird. Head-first it climbs down
the tree trunk, searching for tiny organisms hidden in the nooks and
crannies that were overlooked by other birds that climb up in an upright
position.
The nuthatch's large hind toe and a stubby tail are
likely adaptations for climbing upside down; the toe providing added
stability and the short stubby tail enabling it to maneuver amongst the
branches. A sturdy tapered beak also enables it to wedge nuts and hard
seeds in crevices and hammer them open with its beak, another distinct
behaviour that led to its name. It also hides caches of seeds in
crevices of tree trunks for winter food.
Of the 17 nuthatch
species found throughout North America and Eurasia, three reside in
Canada. The Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis) is the most widely
distributed and is readily identified by its eye stripes and
rust-coloured underbody. It is a small, active bird and with a diverse
repertoire of calls, its nasal "yank-yank" call is usually heard before
the bird is seen!
Coin Highlights:
Packaged in a protective plastic holder from NGC to guarantee and protect the coin's near perfect SP-68 condition.
Mintage: 25,000
Composition: Nickel plated steel
Weight (g): 12.61
Diameter (mm): 35
Edge: Plain
Finish: Specimen
A great addition to your World coin collection. |