When John James Audubon saw the White-breasted nuthatch, it was “in all parts of our extensive country, it is yet the least numerous; there being to appearance more than three of the Brown-headed [see Plate 125] and two of the Red-bellied [Red-breasted – see Plate 105], for every one of the White-breasted.” The loss of Longleaf pine savannah woodland in favor of urban sprawl, fire suppression, and park lands consisting mostly of deciduous trees or mixed forest has completely turned the tables in favor of the White-breasted nuthatch.
Plate 152 – White-breasted Nuthatch
Plate 152 of the first edition of "Birds of America" by John James Audubon.