The wood nuthatch

The wood nuthatch is a small resident bird the size of a tit. Its speciality is working its way down tree trunks upside down. It nests in cavities in trees, most of which are excavated by woodpeckers (green woodpecker, spotted woodpecker, black woodpecker). When the entrance to the hole is too big, it reduces the diameter to a suitable size using mud which forms a wall. The aim is to protect its nestling from predators. This special characteristic has earned it the French nickname torche-pot (a reference to edging the rim of a vessel).